On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced that he would choose L. Brent Bozell III, the founder of the Media Research Center, to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media. Bozell signed a letter on behalf of his son, a convicted Jan. 6 rioter.
“As the founder and president of the Media Research Center for 38 years, few have a better understanding of the global media landscape in print, television, and online than Brent,” Trump stated in a Truth Social release. “He and his family have fought for the American principles of Liberty, Freedom, Equality, and Justice for generations, and he will ensure that message is heard by Freedom-loving people around the World.”
On Wednesday, Bozell stated that he was “honored” to be chosen by Trump to head the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
“A lot of work needs to be done. Before my confirmation hearing, I’m excited to meet with senators to discuss how we can effectively accomplish the president’s priorities,” Bozell stated.
On January 6, 2021, Bozell’s son, L. Brent Bozell IV, was previously sentenced to 45 months in jail for a number of offenses, including attacking law police and destroying government property.
In a letter last year, Bozell III defended his son against a terrorism enhancement proposed by prosecutors who sought more than 11 years for his son before Trump this week pardoned 1,500 people who were indicted in the Capitol attack.
I’m not asking for my son to be innocent; I’m only asking that his punishment be commensurate with the offense. Bozell III wrote, “I am requesting that the Court take into account my son’s impeccable character, which is being defended by everyone in his immediate vicinity.”
Bozell’s son had been charged by prosecutors with several attempts to break into the Capitol, including breaking glass during the first break-in. Additionally, according to the prosecution, Bozell entered the Senate chamber.
In 1987, Bozell III established the Parents Television and Media Council and the Media Research Center, a conservative media watchdog organization. CNSNews was later formed by the Media Research Center.
Trump appointed conservative filmmaker Michael Pack, a longtime colleague of GOP strategist Steve Bannon, to head the agency during his first term. Pack was charged with trying to use the organization as a propaganda platform to further Trump’s goals during his time there.