A dispute between a Nashville reporter and a conservative op-ed author has ignited a firestorm of backlash from right-wing figures, showcasing the intensifying tensions over media coverage and political narratives.
The Backstory
Phil Williams, chief investigative reporter for News Channel 5 in Nashville, criticized an op-ed published by The Tennessean. The piece, authored by Joshua Abbotoy, discussed Tennessee’s diminishing political influence as the state becomes more conservative. Abbotoy called for “right-wing futurism” to attract industries like SpaceX and crypto while reinforcing the state’s conservative identity.
Williams took issue with the lack of disclosure about Abbotoy’s connections to controversial projects. He pointed out that Abbotoy is involved in an effort to relocate Christian nationalists to Tennessee, citing his own investigative reporting from November. This project, spearheaded by groups like New Founding and RidgeRunner, aims to create communities for “like-minded Christians and patriots” in Appalachia.
Abbotoy dismissed Williams’ earlier reporting as a “fever dream story.” However, Williams’ critique of the op-ed has now drawn significant attention and criticism, particularly on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The Online Feud
Williams argued that The Tennessean failed to adequately disclose Abbotoy’s affiliations in the op-ed’s bio. He tweeted, “The @Tennessean publishes this with no hint that the author… is involved with the controversial effort to relocate Christian nationalists from around the country to Tennessee.”
In response, right-wing commentators accused Williams of targeting conservative Christians. A reporter from The Daily Wire claimed that Williams was attempting to pressure The Tennessean into silencing conservative voices, arguing the op-ed’s bio sufficiently disclosed Abbotoy’s professional and political affiliations.
Williams defended his stance, emphasizing his concern was about transparency, not restricting speech. “I NEVER said anything about not ‘publishing op-eds from conservative Christians,’” he tweeted. “I only cited the lack of disclosure about the author’s motives.”
Community Notes Controversy
Williams also criticized the use of X’s Community Notes feature, which allows users to add context to posts. A note on his original tweet alleged he incorrectly stated there was “no hint” of Abbotoy’s involvement with New Founding. Williams argued the note misrepresented his post and claimed right-wing users were weaponizing the feature to spread misinformation.
“This Daily Wire reporter is lying here,” Williams wrote, doubling down on his critique of the op-ed’s lack of transparency.
Escalating Accusations
The conflict has escalated beyond the initial criticism. Some right-wing figures have accused Williams of hating Christians and spreading falsehoods. One influencer mocked him, saying, “Hard to say what [Williams] loves more: Spreading lies or hating Christians. Christmastime is very hard for him!”
Ben Domenech, CEO of The Federalist, went further, suggesting that Williams’ employer, WTVF, should lose its broadcast license. He accused Williams of trespassing and stalking during his original investigation into the relocation project. Williams refuted these claims, stating, “Flying a helicopter over undeveloped land is neither stalking nor trespassing.”
Broader Implications
The feud highlights broader debates over media accountability, disclosure, and bias. While Williams maintains his concerns are about transparency, critics frame his actions as an attack on conservative viewpoints. The controversy underscores how local reporting can become a flashpoint in national culture wars, amplifying divisions in an already polarized media landscape.
