A growing storm of controversy has once again engulfed Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett, this time centered on what can only be describe as an ongoing effort to seize control of local media, retaliate against independent journalism, and politicize the flow of public information for personal and political gain.
The situation began earlier this month when the Grants Pass Daily Courier reported that Barnett attempted to reshape a long-running, nonpartisan radio segment, “Board of Commissioners Monthly,” traditionally hosted by KAJO radio and longtime broadcaster Chuck Benson. For decades, the segment provided residents with a neutral platform to hear from their elected commissioners. But according to sources familiar with the matter, Barnett contacted KAJO and asked to host the show himself — a move that would have allowed him to moderate, direct, and answer questions on his own terms.
KAJO declined the proposal, citing longstanding media standards. Not long after, the show was abruptly pulled from the station and shifted to the Bill Meyer Show on KMED, a Medford-based conservative talk radio outlet. Meyer is a known political ally of Barnett’s and a co-defendant in an active defamation and tortious interference lawsuit filed by this newspaper, The Grants Pass Tribune.
The reshuffling raised eyebrows immediately, but Barnett’s actions in the days that followed further fueled public concern. Just six days after moving the commissioner segment to KMED, Barnett published an article titled “Why Radio Advertising Doesn’t Work Anymore” across his own platforms — Josephine County Tribune and Josephine County News, both self-founded after he was elected. Then, in a jarring contradiction, he posted a promotion for the Bill Meyer Show on his official Facebook page just moments later, encouraging residents to tune in biweekly for updates from the Board of Commissioners.
The move has come to symbolize a broader pattern of retaliatory and self-serving behavior. Those who challenge Barnett’s narrative often find themselves silenced, blocked, or publicly disparaged—a recurring outcome for many who have been removed from his social media pages or targeted after voicing opposing views.
The media controversy seems to be part of a broader communication strategy driven by control and self-promotion. Since taking office, Commissioner Chris Barnett has launched at least five media outlets, with the Josephine County Tribune and Josephine County News serving as the primary vehicles for his messaging. Critics argue these platforms lack journalistic integrity, functioning more as echo chambers for Barnett’s viewpoints while excluding dissenting perspectives. Beyond his own publications, Barnett also maintains a close alliance with The Oregon Eagle—a paper rumored to be partially funded by fellow Commissioner Andreas Blech—further consolidating his influence over the county’s media landscape.
Observers say these tactics have fundamentally shifted the relationship between elected officials and the press in Josephine County. Rather than participate in open dialogue through traditional and impartial media channels, Barnett has increasingly insulated himself within an echo chamber of self-produced content and friendly voices. Efforts to reach him through independent platforms are often met with silence, censorship, or open hostility.
Supporters of Barnett dismiss the criticism as politically motivated, pointing to what they see as an ongoing smear campaign by legacy media and establishment opponents. But for many in the community, the concern transcends party lines or personal preferences — it’s about transparency, accountability, and the role of the press in a functioning democracy.
The issue at hand goes far beyond the relocation of a radio show. At its core, it raises serious concerns about whether the people of Josephine County can continue to trust their elected officials to communicate honestly and fairly. It questions whether public discourse will remain open to genuine inquiry and accountability, or if it will be increasingly filtered through controlled channels that shut out opposing voices and difficult questions.
With questions swirling about the ethical implications of his actions and mounting scrutiny from media watchdogs and voters alike, Commissioner Barnett now finds himself at the center of a broader conversation — one that’s no longer just about political differences, but about the growing threat of media manipulation by those in power.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents are being urged to examine the evidence for themselves. Because in Josephine County, the message is increasingly clear: the future of local media integrity may well depend on it.