^{Gates' Monopoly on Journalism - Columbia Journalism Review}

This article from Columbia Journalism Review details how Bill Gates has donated heavily (over $250 million dollars) to many of the world's best-known media outlets (sometimes indirectly), and established "independent fact checkers" to dismiss dissent or criticism of his "charitable" work and influence on global policy.

When questioned, the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation refused to comment, or to disclose exactly how much money has been poured into media.

"The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation declined multiple interview requests from CJR and refused to disclose how much money it has funneled to journalists."

Another Investigation in the LA Times in 2007 pertained to Gates' influence on shifting policy and funding towards GMOs and vaccines, two industries in which he holds multi-billion dollar investments. This is one of the few mainstream instances of criticism towards the Gates Foundation.

Regardless of your stance on the Bill and Melinda Gates and the work done by their foundation, this monopoly on information and suppression of dissent and contradicting views should be a serious cause for concern.