The news highlights a conversation between a reporter named Phoebe Petrovic and her superior, Matthew DeFour, discussing political extremism. Petrovic has conducted in-depth investigations into extremism and the influence of the religious right in American political discourse in 2024. Her reports have exposed the influence of the extremist Matthew Trewhella in the modern Republican Party, as well as the efforts of right-wing activists to recruit poll workers in swing states. This Zoom event seems to be an acknowledgment of her work, though it may be uncomfortable for some. As for Matthew DeFour, though he does not appear directly in the news, it can be inferred that as the head, he has provided support for Petrovic’s work.
Wisconsin Watch reporter and ProPublica fellow Phoebe Petrovic is photographed outside the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wis., on Oct. 9, 2023. (Coburn Dukehart / Wisconsin Watch) 