I'm a fan of several writers at the Deseret News but strongly agree with this take, Zach. Taking Lee and Curtis at their word has been especially disappointing, as you say, since it's clear that DOGE exists primarily to dismantle the agencies that were investigating Musk's companies and since none of the spending cuts were related to agencies that funnel contract spending to Musk's companies. It's a sham, and the Deseret News pieces on the topic ran with it.
I quit reading the DN years ago when I recognized this unquestioning approach to the news during Mitt Romney’s presidential run. It’s shameful, and worse, it is misleading. Many people of my faith view it as the “correlated” newspaper. They’re wrong.
Thank you for raising important concerns about the state of political journalism at the Deseret News and KSL. Many readers, especially those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, perceive these outlets not just as independent news organizations, but as extensions of the Church itself—given that both are owned and operated by Deseret Management Corporation, which is wholly controlled by the Church. For members, the tone, editorial choices, and omissions in reporting are often read as tacit endorsements or reflections of the Church’s leadership priorities.
This is where the concern deepens. When articles by reporters like Eva Terry or Cami Mondeaux consistently fail to critically examine the Trump administration’s actions—or when they simply echo political talking points without proper context or scrutiny—it creates the impression that Church leadership either supports these policies or prefers not to challenge them publicly. Whether intentional or not, the effect is the same: a subtle narrative that aligns Church-affiliated media with Trumpism or MAGA-aligned Republicanism.
It’s worth asking whether reporters like Terry and Mondeaux are institutionally restricted in their editorial freedom. Are they discouraged from publishing content that could be viewed as critical of Trump or his allies? If so, then the readers deserve transparency about those constraints. If not, then why do these articles so frequently avoid deeper investigation, especially when the stakes for American democracy, institutions, and global standing are so high?
This pattern doesn’t just raise questions about journalistic integrity; it risks undermining the Church’s ability to be seen as politically neutral or morally courageous. When critical voices are absent, especially amid ongoing threats to democratic norms and human dignity, silence can appear to be complicity.
If Utah is indeed to be a redoubt of “a kinder, gentler and more civil kind of Republicanism,” as the New York Times once generously suggested, then its leading media institutions must be willing to shine light into uncomfortable places. Journalism is not merely about reporting what politicians say—it is about asking hard questions, providing context, and holding power to account.
The Deseret News has the resources and influence to lead in this space. But that leadership requires a commitment to rigorous, balanced, and fearless reporting—especially when it cuts against political or institutional comfort.
Ah yes, “Journalism 101’. I’m anxiously awaiting a follow-up article from the author regarding the widespread journalistic failure the American people were subjected to from virtually every mainstream media outlet who perpetuated the lie that President Biden was mentally capable of doing his job the last 4 years. If it is truly balance in journalism the author cares about, surely he’ll now condemn the lack of truth, balance, and integrity that infected the media machine during the Biden administration as we witnessed countless talking heads intentionally lie to the American public and conceal the President’s dementia. But alas, it’s clearly not balance nor context the author cares about. Rather, he’d prefer to use strong-arm tactics and accusations against a decent Utah news outlet that doesn’t seem to toe the far-left, liberal party line in every instance. Apparently, it’s not enough that we have MSNBC, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The View, etc. all striving to out do each other in their daily screeching of how Trump and Armageddon are bosom buddies. While the Greenland story fizzled, true and honest journalists - the few who remain - will uncover who was actually running the country the last 4 years and to what detriment while a senile 80 year-old man was wandering around the White House who pardoned his entire crime syndicate on his way out the door.
And propping up The Economist as an example of responsible reporting is a stretch. Example: a recent Economist headline from 10 April 2025 stating “The thing about Europe: it’s the actual land of the free now.” Come again? The UK government throws citizens in jail for social media posts that are deemed demeaning or critical. Recently in Brussels, Chris Elston, known as “Billboard Chris” was detained and arrested for wearing a sign in public that said “Children Cannot Consent to Puberty Blockers.” A Jew is arguably safer living in Dubai than on the streets of Paris.
Journalists who tell the truth to the American people regardless of who and what political party it exposes is most certainly the answer. Shame they’re in such low supply these days.
When I worked at the Deseret News, non-controversial “faith building” reporting was relegated to the Church News, which permitted the newsroom, editorial staff, and Today Section (for which I worked) to take a more nuanced approach (so long as we were not “nuanced” about corporate boards on which any of the Brethren sat). For me, the most disheartening part of this abandonment of critical insight is how it disrespects the history of a church that once threatened to torch SLC rather than surrender to the government’s dispatch of Johnston’s Army to make us better behave. Evidently, expeditionary forces no longer are required to make us conform. (More’s the pity.)
Deseret News used to be among the honest news outlets, I remember editorials that spoke out against Trump but no longer. I remember the comments too by Trump supporters. My guess is they suffered business loss, so they’re timid now. It’s scary to actually lose coworkers to layoffs, and that happened, and the trauma has made them timid. And I’m sure there are new supervisors. It’s just a job to them, and they have kids. So they leave the politics beat to the people who agree with the current administration.
Of course you are 100% correct. I'm in despair over the state of our country. The courts, honest media (the DN is not among them), and a few courageous Republican congressmen and senator (none of whom are from Utah) are our only hope for surviving this. And I fear they may not be enough.
I'm a fan of several writers at the Deseret News but strongly agree with this take, Zach. Taking Lee and Curtis at their word has been especially disappointing, as you say, since it's clear that DOGE exists primarily to dismantle the agencies that were investigating Musk's companies and since none of the spending cuts were related to agencies that funnel contract spending to Musk's companies. It's a sham, and the Deseret News pieces on the topic ran with it.
Right on the mark Zack.
Yes! I have been incredibly frustrated with DN’s lack of commitment to the unvarnished truth.
Hooray for your voice in this crazy wilderness we are in. Thank you! I have complained to the DN and finally stopped reading it altogether.
I quit reading the DN years ago when I recognized this unquestioning approach to the news during Mitt Romney’s presidential run. It’s shameful, and worse, it is misleading. Many people of my faith view it as the “correlated” newspaper. They’re wrong.
Thank you for raising important concerns about the state of political journalism at the Deseret News and KSL. Many readers, especially those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, perceive these outlets not just as independent news organizations, but as extensions of the Church itself—given that both are owned and operated by Deseret Management Corporation, which is wholly controlled by the Church. For members, the tone, editorial choices, and omissions in reporting are often read as tacit endorsements or reflections of the Church’s leadership priorities.
This is where the concern deepens. When articles by reporters like Eva Terry or Cami Mondeaux consistently fail to critically examine the Trump administration’s actions—or when they simply echo political talking points without proper context or scrutiny—it creates the impression that Church leadership either supports these policies or prefers not to challenge them publicly. Whether intentional or not, the effect is the same: a subtle narrative that aligns Church-affiliated media with Trumpism or MAGA-aligned Republicanism.
It’s worth asking whether reporters like Terry and Mondeaux are institutionally restricted in their editorial freedom. Are they discouraged from publishing content that could be viewed as critical of Trump or his allies? If so, then the readers deserve transparency about those constraints. If not, then why do these articles so frequently avoid deeper investigation, especially when the stakes for American democracy, institutions, and global standing are so high?
This pattern doesn’t just raise questions about journalistic integrity; it risks undermining the Church’s ability to be seen as politically neutral or morally courageous. When critical voices are absent, especially amid ongoing threats to democratic norms and human dignity, silence can appear to be complicity.
If Utah is indeed to be a redoubt of “a kinder, gentler and more civil kind of Republicanism,” as the New York Times once generously suggested, then its leading media institutions must be willing to shine light into uncomfortable places. Journalism is not merely about reporting what politicians say—it is about asking hard questions, providing context, and holding power to account.
The Deseret News has the resources and influence to lead in this space. But that leadership requires a commitment to rigorous, balanced, and fearless reporting—especially when it cuts against political or institutional comfort.
Amen.
I was watching grandkids and couldn’t go, so searched for coverage the next day. So little coverage! No hard questions asked! So disappointed!!!😢
Amen! And same for KSL news. It's appalling.
Right on! Great article!
Ah yes, “Journalism 101’. I’m anxiously awaiting a follow-up article from the author regarding the widespread journalistic failure the American people were subjected to from virtually every mainstream media outlet who perpetuated the lie that President Biden was mentally capable of doing his job the last 4 years. If it is truly balance in journalism the author cares about, surely he’ll now condemn the lack of truth, balance, and integrity that infected the media machine during the Biden administration as we witnessed countless talking heads intentionally lie to the American public and conceal the President’s dementia. But alas, it’s clearly not balance nor context the author cares about. Rather, he’d prefer to use strong-arm tactics and accusations against a decent Utah news outlet that doesn’t seem to toe the far-left, liberal party line in every instance. Apparently, it’s not enough that we have MSNBC, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The View, etc. all striving to out do each other in their daily screeching of how Trump and Armageddon are bosom buddies. While the Greenland story fizzled, true and honest journalists - the few who remain - will uncover who was actually running the country the last 4 years and to what detriment while a senile 80 year-old man was wandering around the White House who pardoned his entire crime syndicate on his way out the door.
And propping up The Economist as an example of responsible reporting is a stretch. Example: a recent Economist headline from 10 April 2025 stating “The thing about Europe: it’s the actual land of the free now.” Come again? The UK government throws citizens in jail for social media posts that are deemed demeaning or critical. Recently in Brussels, Chris Elston, known as “Billboard Chris” was detained and arrested for wearing a sign in public that said “Children Cannot Consent to Puberty Blockers.” A Jew is arguably safer living in Dubai than on the streets of Paris.
Journalists who tell the truth to the American people regardless of who and what political party it exposes is most certainly the answer. Shame they’re in such low supply these days.
When I worked at the Deseret News, non-controversial “faith building” reporting was relegated to the Church News, which permitted the newsroom, editorial staff, and Today Section (for which I worked) to take a more nuanced approach (so long as we were not “nuanced” about corporate boards on which any of the Brethren sat). For me, the most disheartening part of this abandonment of critical insight is how it disrespects the history of a church that once threatened to torch SLC rather than surrender to the government’s dispatch of Johnston’s Army to make us better behave. Evidently, expeditionary forces no longer are required to make us conform. (More’s the pity.)
Deseret News used to be among the honest news outlets, I remember editorials that spoke out against Trump but no longer. I remember the comments too by Trump supporters. My guess is they suffered business loss, so they’re timid now. It’s scary to actually lose coworkers to layoffs, and that happened, and the trauma has made them timid. And I’m sure there are new supervisors. It’s just a job to them, and they have kids. So they leave the politics beat to the people who agree with the current administration.
Of course you are 100% correct. I'm in despair over the state of our country. The courts, honest media (the DN is not among them), and a few courageous Republican congressmen and senator (none of whom are from Utah) are our only hope for surviving this. And I fear they may not be enough.