The second is the damage to the credibility and independence of a free press which may be caused by covert relationships with the U.S. journalists and media organizations.

In this quote, Frank Church, a former U.S. Senator and chairman of the Church Committee, raises concerns about the potential harm to the credibility and independence of a free press resulting from covert relationships with U.S. journalists and media organizations. Church is emphasizing the danger that arises when the press becomes too closely aligned with government agencies or other powerful interests, particularly when those relationships are not transparent to the public. Such covert connections can lead to biases in reporting and undermine the press’s role as an objective, independent check on power.

Church is warning that when journalists and media organizations work secretly with governmental bodies, such as intelligence agencies or the U.S. government, it can compromise their journalistic integrity. The independence of the press is vital for maintaining a healthy democracy, where the media acts as a watchdog, free from undue influence or control. If the press is seen as too closely tied to governmental or corporate powers, it risks losing the public’s trust, which can ultimately damage the overall functioning of a democratic society.

The reference to covert relationships specifically calls attention to the lack of transparency in such collaborations, which may be hidden from the public. Church’s concern is that these hidden ties could distort the media’s ability to report fairly and accurately, leading to a manipulated narrative. He believed that the public’s right to unbiased information was fundamental and that any actions that eroded this would have far-reaching consequences for democracy.

Ultimately, Frank Church’s quote reflects his commitment to the preservation of a free and independent press as a cornerstone of American democracy. He cautions against the dangers of secretive relationships that undermine the press’s ability to serve as a neutral, reliable source of information. This sentiment was part of his broader efforts during the 1970s to investigate the activities of U.S. intelligence agencies and to protect civil liberties from governmental overreach.