Sirota backs out of joining True Blue, remains at International Biz Times

Investigative reporter David Sirota of the International Business Times has backed out of joining the left-leaning True Blue as its chief executive officer, reports Steven Perlberg of BuzzFeed.

Perlberg writes, “‘As you know, I was thrilled to initially accept the proposal to work with True Blue Media because I believe in nonpartisan accountability journalism. However, the circumstances of the job subsequently changed,’ Sirota said in an emailed statement. ‘True Blue Media does not right now have in hand the resources for the kind of independent, nonpartisan journalism I want to continue to do and that is needed to execute on the ambitious editorial strategy that we agreed on. Therefore, I have decided to turn down the job. I wish David Brock all the best.’

“The failure by a key element of the Democratic establishment to recruit Sirota — an anti-corporate outsider from the party’s Sanders wing — points to the challenge Democratic donors and elites face in channeling a movement that, at the end of the day, has little love for them.

“True Blue, which operates as ShareBlue, was part of a cadre of liberal outlets that supported Hillary Clinton’s failed presidential campaign. The site, formed by former conservative journalist turned liberal crusader Brock, crafted viral left-wing stories designed specifically for social media.”

Read more here. Sirota told Talking Biz News that he will remain at the International Business Times.