Balanced or Balint's? Only 3 of the 10 Top VT News Outlets Covered "wipe our a***s" Comment

The remark, captured in a video by the Vermont Daily Chronicle, went viral, amassing over 2.5 million views the social media platform X alone.

When Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., made a controversial remark about immigration during a May 31, 2025, town hall in Newport, it ignited a firestorm in conservative media and on social platforms like X.

Yet, in Vermont, only three of the state’s top ten media outlets by audience size covered the story, with Vermont Public among those that did not. This disparity has raised questions about whether outlets claiming independent and balanced journalism are living up to their stated principles, particularly when covering politically sensitive issues involving a prominent local figure.

The Remark and Its National Echoes

Balint sparked outrage with her comment, “we’re not gonna have anybody around to wipe our asses,” made while discussing the need for legal immigration to address labor shortages in essential sectors like caregiving and agriculture. The remark, captured in a video by the Vermont Daily Chronicle, went viral, amassing over 2.5 million views on the social media platform X.

Balint initially responded on June 2 via MyNBC5, defending her support for immigrants and comparing her rhetoric to former President Donald Trump’s to highlight perceived GOP hypocrisy.

On June 5, she issued a formal apology to VTDigger, calling her language “sloppy and insensitive” and reaffirming her commitment to immigrant rights. “I want to apologize to anyone who was hurt by my comments,” she said, noting that the controversy overshadowed urgent issues like recent ICE detentions in Vermont, including 10 migrant workers in Newport and eight at a Berkshire dairy.

Limited Coverage Among Vermont’s Top Media

Despite the national attention, only three of Vermont’s top ten media outlets by readership or viewership—MyNBC5, VTDigger, and the Rutland Herald—reported on the incident, according to a review of their websites and web searches.

Vermont Public’s Absence

Vermont Public reaches the majority of the state’s population through its statewide radio and TV stations. Recognized alongside commercial stations like WCAX-TV as a leading broadcaster, it relies on over 90% community funding, reflecting a large and engaged audience.

Vermont Public’s mission emphasizes “trusted, relevant, and essential information” to broaden and diversify its audience, positioning it as a cornerstone of independent journalism in Vermont.

Yet, Vermont Public did not cover the Balint incident, despite its extensive political reporting, including coverage of Governor Phil Scott’s policy initiatives. Searches of its website yielded no articles on the remark, and no public statements explained the omission. This absence is notable given Vermont Public’s commitment to public service journalism and its resources as a major news outlet.

Reflections on Independent and Balanced Journalism

The fact that only 30% of Vermont’s top media outlets covered Balint’s remark is striking, particularly for those that tout independence and balance. The Burlington Free Press, owned by Gannett, positions itself as Vermont’s leading newspaper, yet its silence contrasts with its coverage of other political stories. Seven Days, self-described as “Vermont’s Independent Voice,” prides itself on in-depth political reporting but did not engage with this controversy. WCAX-TV, the state’s most-watched news station, and Vermont Public, a publicly funded broadcaster, also opted out, despite their broad audiences and stated commitments to comprehensive news.

The decision by seven outlets to bypass the story may reflect editorial priorities—perhaps prioritizing local issues like education or infrastructure over a politically charged remark that gained traction in conservative circles.

Alternatively, they may have viewed the comment as a rhetorical misstep rather than a substantive policy issue, or sought to avoid amplifying partisan conflict in a state that leans heavily Democratic.

However, the selective coverage raises questions about consistency. Outlets that covered the story, like VTDigger and MyNBC5, provided balanced accounts, including Balint’s apology and the broader immigration context. The absence of coverage from others, without public explanation, risks perceptions of bias, particularly when contrasted with their reporting on less controversial figures like Governor Scott, whose policy statements receive widespread attention.

Public Sentiment and Media Accountability

Public reaction, as seen on X, reflects frustration with the limited coverage. One user questioned why outlets like WCAX, MyNBC5, and the Burlington Free Press ignored Balint’s “bigoted” comment, suggesting a lack of accountability. Others defended Balint, praising her apology and focus on immigration reform.

A Test for Vermont’s Media

As Balint moves forward, her apology may mitigate political fallout, but the episode serves as a reminder of the media’s power to amplify or mute narratives. For Vermont’s news outlets, the selective coverage of this remark is a test of their ability to deliver balanced reporting that serves all Vermonters, regardless of political leanings.