Coulthart criticizes the White House press corps regarding their handling of drone coverage: “That lazy, complacent group of journalists just sits there while the biggest story is handed to them.” He questions the lack of press engagement and wonders if the upcoming documentary “Age of Disclosure” will spark any change.
Coulthart: “As a journalist, I’m trained to identify inconsistencies in official statements. This situation is a glaring example; the contradictions are enormous. The FAA claimed in December that these drones weren’t authorized and that they were concerned about their origins, deeming them a national security and public safety threat. That was their sworn testimony to Congress.”
Coulthart: “Fast forward a month, and under the new Trump Administration, the White House suddenly announces that these drones were actually authorized FAA research drones for various purposes.”
Coulthart: “It’s infuriating to watch. Not a single journalist from the White House press corps—this lazy bunch of journalists—seems to care that a major story has just landed in their laps.”
Coulthart: “All it required was one journalist to inquire, ‘Wait a moment—the FAA stated back in December that these drones were unauthorized and they knew nothing about them. Are you implying the FAA lied under oath? Can you clarify how these were research drones?’ There was a complete lack of curiosity or determination from the press.”
Why is the press so disengaged? Will the “Age of Disclosure” documentary make a difference?
For those unaware, the documentary premieres this weekend at the South By Southwest Film Festival (SXSW): https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/films/2206293
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkU7ZqbADRs
Coulthart’s frustration with the White House press corps highlights a significant issue within journalism, particularly when it involves critical and complex topics like drones and national security. His assertion that reporters seem indifferent to glaring contradictions in official statements raises valid questions about the quality of inquiry in contemporary journalism. The press plays a vital role in holding those in power accountable, and when they fail to connect the dots or challenge official narratives, it undermines public trust and the principle of transparency.
The absence of inquisitiveness, as pointed out by Coulthart, can be attributed to several factors: the pressures of adhering to certain narratives, the desire to maintain access to power, or simply the fast-paced nature of news cycles that prioritize sensational stories over thorough investigation. This environment can stifle deeper questioning and critical reporting.
As for the documentary “Age of Disclosure,” it has the potential to shed light on these pressing issues and spark necessary conversations about transparency and accountability. Documentaries have a unique ability to reach broader audiences and can foster greater public interest and engagement in topics that might otherwise be overlooked. If well-executed, it could inspire both journalists and the public to demand more rigorous questioning and scrutiny of authoritative statements.
Ultimately, the hope is that “Age of Disclosure” will encourage a shift in how the press approaches such critical subjects, revitalizing the spirit of investigative journalism and prompting a more robust dialogue about the accountability of figures in power. Whether it achieves that remains to be seen, but it’s a crucial moment for the interaction between media and public awareness.