It doesn't get more overt than this. The New York Times and every other media outlet refused to cover a story involving a kidnapped Times reporter. They had good reasons.... If you believe that it's the job of a media outlet to decide when to cover something that is clearly newsworthy.
How many lives have the Times risked and ruined through covering newsworthy stories? The journalists usual answer: "I don't play God. If it's newsworthy, I need to cover it."
Suddenly, when it involved one of their own, the Times found a conscience. The Times played God.
Maybe they made the right decision. That's not the point of my post. For over a decade, I have pointed out media manipulation and cover-ups. Usually I'd get rolled eyes in response.
Those of you who have accused me of being paranoid about media cover ups can now kindly go fuck off. Thanks.