Matthew Ladner and Jason Bedrick argue that Arizona’s media outlets. particularly the Arizona Republic and Channel 12, routinely misrepresent school choice programs like charter schools and Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs).
They highlight past examples of inaccurate reporting, such as claims that charter schools performed worse than district schools and predictions of mass charter school closures, both of which proved false. Despite these errors, such reporting was even awarded journalism prizes, encouraging more advocacy-driven stories instead of balanced reporting.
Current media criticisms of ESA, such as funds being used for babysitting, luxury vacations, or primarily benefiting wealthy families. are also unfounded. Babysitting has never been an allowable expense, ESA funds cannot be spent on travel or hotels, and spending on educational field trips mirrors what public schools already do.
Reporters also suggest ESAs harm “high-performing” districts, but state grading systems mask poor proficiency rates, and many parents rely instead on stricter measures like GreatSchools ratings.
Overall, the authors contend that Arizona media perpetuates myths and sensationalized narratives that mislead the public, undermine trust in journalism, and obscure the real benefits of educational choice. They argue that families deserve accurate coverage, especially as charter schools and ESAs continue to provide demonstrably better outcomes for students.