We are writing this letter to express our concern over media coverage of the President-Elect and to inform you that we, as viewers, readers and listeners, support only thorough, objective and investigative journalism. We are disturbed by what we are already seeing as normalization of his UN-American behavior.

The President-Elect’s multiple business conflicts of interest are not normal. His refusal to hear daily Intelligence briefings is not normal. His reckless lying is not normal. Accepting his lack of experience and his basic knowledge of how our government functions is not normal.

When the top public servant in our country denies access to the press it is not normal. It is unprecedented, unfounded and unacceptable. Threatening and berating the press is not normal, unless one is trying to build an autocracy or capitalize on corruption.

This is not a normal President-Elect and he does not play by the rules. The media needs to throw out the playbook and not be fooled into giving credence to an insane conspiracy theory or lie. Even by debunking it, it is given legitimacy. Every outrageous claim is intended to be a distraction from major issues, like his business dealings. He wants you to go after the drippings and miss the meat. Do not fall for it! This man is a master manipulator and is about to turn our country into a reality show. Stop playing nice.

We, the citizens of the United States, count on the fourth estate to keep power in check. It is the media’s patriotic duty to remain firm. Do not back down. Do not fear denial of access. Lack of access is far better than allowing the President-Elect to control the message. Raise the bar high to befit the Leader of the Free World, question and challenge him every time he does not reach that bar.

Remember that the majority of Americans did not vote for President-Elect Trump. We are your bottom line. We will support objective, investigative journalism only. As long as you provide it, we have got your back.

Your job is now more important than ever.