US DHS to create database of news sources and media influencers

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to create a database of news sources, bloggers, journalists, and media influencers for the federal government.

Following an outcry on social media after the job postings, the department termed it as a regular practice.

Last week, on Federal Business Opportunities website, the DHS  sought a contractor who can keep a track of global news sources, media coverage in up to 100 languages besides monitor online, print, broadcast, cable, radio, trade and industry publications, and social media.

The contractor will have to build lists of journalists based on beat, location, outlet type/size, and their role.

Data to be gathered would also need to have an analysis of each news source’s sentiment, besides aspects on geographical spread, languages, circulation.

The contractor is expected to build a database of even top media influencers with their “present contact details and any other information that could be relevant, including publications this influencer writes for, and an overview of the previous coverage published by the media influencer.”

In Twitter, DHS press secretary Tyler Houlton posted that “despite what some reporters may suggest, this is nothing more than the standard practice.”

“Any suggestion otherwise is fit for tin foil hat wearing, black helicopter conspiracy theorists,” he added.

This job posting comes as there are increasing concerns about accuracy in new reporting by media houses and a potential for wrested overseas powers to influence US policy through “fake news”.