Ukraine Riots and Protests News Update: RT Anchor Abby Martin Condemns Russia, Media Censorship In Hot 'Piers Morgan' Interview [WATCH]
RT anchor Abby Martin sat down with Piers Morgan Wednesday to discuss her decision to speak out against her network's coverage of Ukraine.
The host of Breaking the Set surprised her audience when she veered off script to assert her opposition to Russia's recent actions in Crimea. The anchor said that just because she works for a network sponsored by the Russian establishment, doesn't mean she can't state her true opinion.
"I admittedly don't know as much as I should about Ukraine's history or the cultural dynamics of the region," said Martin. "But what I do know is that military intervention is never the answer. And I will not sit here and apologize or defend military aggression."
Fellow RT Anchor, Liz Wahl, made headlines the very next day when she, inspired by Martin's statement, decided to quit her job while on air.
"I cannot be part of a network funded by the Russian government that whitewashes the actions of Putin," Wahl said. "I'm proud to be an American and believe in disseminating the truth, and that is why after this newscast, I am resigning."
Martin told Piers Morgan that she supported Wahl's decision to resign, though she never intended to do the same. Even so, Martin knew that her statement could potentially put her job on the line, but it was more important for her to stay true to her own beliefs and "moral compass."
Martin went on to say that management was very supportive of her decision, and that her show allows her a great deal of editorial freedom (although she could not speak for other shows on RT, or the majority of American media outlets). According to Martin, most networks are "beholden to advertisers" that influence and censore the American media.
"We're talking about six corporations that control 90 per cent of what Americans see, hear and read," Martin said. "The lead-up to the Iraq war, parroting exactly what the establishment said. I mean you could reflect the exact same criticism on all of the corporate media channels."
Piers Morgan seemed to take offense to that, remaining adamant that he can say whatever he feels like.
Do you agree with Martin? Tell us your thoughts below.
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