CBS Austin Reporter Defies Directive to Downplay Pro-Trump Rally

Vinny Martorano refused to steer away from covering the demonstration after the Iran strikes.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A CBS Austin reporter, Vinny Martorano, was seen on a live Facebook stream appearing to get a directive from a superior to avoid covering a pro-Israel, pro-US, and pro-Trump protest happening behind him during his live shot. However, Martorano refused to go along with the instruction and continued reporting on the demonstration.

Why it matters

The moment was seen as evidence that the media may be trying to downplay or ignore shows of support for President Trump and the military action against Iran. This raised concerns about potential bias in news coverage of politically charged events.

The details

Martorano was outside the Texas Capitol on Saturday covering dueling demonstrations in the wake of US and Israeli strikes on Iran. A crew member handed him a phone with a message from an unnamed boss, telling him they 'don't want us to focus on this.' Martorano responded, 'Well, I am,' and continued his coverage of the pro-Trump rally.

  • On Saturday, Martorano was reporting live from the Texas Capitol.

The players

Vinny Martorano

A reporter for CBS Austin who refused to follow a directive from his superiors to avoid covering a pro-Trump rally.

CBS Austin

The local CBS affiliate station that Martorano works for, owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group.

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What they’re saying

“What does that mean?”

— Vinny Martorano, Reporter (Facebook livestream)

“It means they don't want us to focus on this.”

— Off-screen staffer (Facebook livestream)

“Well, I am.”

— Vinny Martorano, Reporter (Facebook livestream)

What’s next

CBS Austin and its parent company Sinclair Broadcast Group have not yet commented on the incident or Martorano's actions.

The takeaway

This incident highlights concerns about potential media bias and the pressure journalists may face to avoid covering certain politically charged events, even when they are newsworthy. Martorano's refusal to comply with the directive to downplay the pro-Trump rally was seen as an act of journalistic integrity.