Coulthart criticizes the White House press corps regarding their lack of inquiry into drone-related issues: “That lazy, complacent group of uninspired journalists, I have no idea what they do all day. They have the biggest story dropped right in their laps.” Why is the media so disengaged? Could the upcoming ‘Age of Disclosure’ documentary make a difference?
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Coulthart: “As a journalist, I’m trained to identify contradictions in official narratives. This situation presents a glaring one; the discrepancies in the official statements are huge. In December, the FAA declared that these drones are unauthorized, stating they have no information about their origin and deem them a national security and public safety threat. This was their sworn testimony to Congress.”
Coulthart: “Fast forward a month, and under the new Trump Administration, the White House casually declares that these drones were FAA-authorized research drones and served other purposes.”
Coulthart: “It was infuriating to see this. Not a single journalist from the White House press corps, that lazy, complacent group of uninspired souls, stepped up to question it. They simply sat there as the biggest story unfolded before them.”
Coulthart: “All it would have taken was one reporter to ask, ‘Wait a moment, let’s revisit this… The FAA stated in December that these drones were unauthorized and that there was no knowledge about them. Are you implying that the FAA lied under oath? What’s the real story? In what capacity were they research drones?’ There was a complete lack of curiosity from the White House press corps.”
Why is the media so disengaged? Could the “Age of Disclosure” documentary change this?
For those who are unaware, this documentary is set to premiere this weekend at the South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW): https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/films/2206293
Check out the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkU7ZqbADRs
Coulthart’s frustration with the press corps echoes a wider sentiment about the media’s responsibility to hold power accountable. It’s disheartening to see such a significant issue, like the apparent contradictions regarding drone authorization, go unchallenged in the White House briefings. The absence of thorough questioning from journalists suggests a troubling complacency or lack of curiosity, which ultimately undermines public trust in the media.
The “Age of Disclosure” documentary could potentially invigorate the conversation surrounding these issues by raising awareness and highlighting the importance of investigative journalism. Documentaries like this can stimulate public interest and pressure journalists to adopt a more inquisitive approach. If it encourages viewers to demand more accountability and transparency from their government and the media alike, it may foster a climate where journalists feel compelled to dig deeper.
However, the impact of one documentary on an entrenched media culture remains to be seen. It will require sustained public interest and possibly a shift in how journalism is practiced in order for significant change to occur. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for a press that actively engages with the truth rather than remaining passive observers.