Massachusetts Media Members Gave Money To Democrats In Georgia Senate Runoff

By Tom Joyce | April 8, 2021, 8:32 EDT

Some may accuse members of the media of giving in-kind campaign contributions in the form of favorable media coverage for some candidates and unfavorable coverage to other candidates.

But sometimes, it’s simpler than that.

Sometimes, members of the media cut checks to politicians. The 2021 Georgia Senate runoff election is an example –even among those in the media in Massachusetts.

One of those donors was MetroWest Daily News reporter Henry Schwan. He donated $25 to Jon Ossoff and $25 to Raphael Warnock, both Democrats who narrowly won their races. That’s in addition to the $50 he donated to President Joe Biden’s campaign on October 29.

Here is what Schwan’s bio on the publication’s web site says he covers:

“As a reporter for the Daily News, I primarily cover health issues and goings on in the town of Natick. But, that’s not all. Stories of regional interest are also in my wheelhouse. I also write about business, politics, education, social issues, and, of course, breaking news — you name it, I cover it. I guess I’m a seasoned general assignment reporter in the local news biz.”

Another was Michael Vega, a multi platform sports editor for The Boston Globe. Vega, who donated $100 to Biden’s presidential campaign in 2020, gave to both Ossoff and Warnock.

Vega gave $12.50 to the Ossoff campaign on December 30 and $5 to the Warnock campaign on January 4. He also gave $5 to the Democratic National Committee on January 4.

Here is what his bio on The Boston Globe’s Web site says he does:

“After 30 years as a sportswriter, having covered events ranging from the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup, Daytona 500, Indy 500, Michael Vega has now transitioned into a new role on the sports copy desk as a multi-platform editor.”

Additionally, Howard Karren, arts editor of The Provincetown Independent, gave money to the cause. A frequent donor to Democratic causes, Karren gave $450 directly to the Ossoff campaign in the time leading up to the runoff, Federal Election Commission records show.

A spokesman for The Provincetown Independent, Gannett Media, and The Boston Globe could not be reached for comment on Monday or Tuesday this week.

Schwan, Karren, and Vega could not be reached on Tuesday or Wednesday.