Center for Media and Democracy

The Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) is a non-profit organization focused on investigating and exposing corruption that threatens democracy, the environment, and economic integrity in the United States. CMD conducts in-depth investigations into the influence of wealthy individuals and corporations, particularly highlighting the activities of the Koch brothers and their network. The organization utilizes public information requests and litigation to uncover how special interests manipulate politics and public policy. CMD has gained recognition for its impactful investigations, including the exposure of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which has led to significant corporate withdrawals from the organization. Their work has sparked national discussions on campaign finance and the influence of dark money in politics. In addition to investigative reporting, CMD publishes various resources, including SourceWatch, an encyclopedia of corporate interests, and specialized sites like ALECexposed.org. The organization is committed to transparency and editorial independence, relying on donations from individuals and foundations while refusing funding from government agencies or for-profit corporations. Overall, CMD aims to inform the public about the mechanics of political manipulation and advocate for accountability in government and corporate practices.