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Did Twitter Block Fresno Radio Station Over COVID Story? Manager Says Yes.

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Did Twitter block access to KMJ radio’s account over an interview with Valley Congressman Devin Nunes?

The Fresno news and talk station (580 AM, 105.9 FM) thinks so.

On Friday, KMJ (580 AM, 105.9 FM) host Ray Appleton interviewed Nunes, when the legislator made a stunning revelation.

“So, I actually tested positive for the COVID antibodies,” Nunes said.

Several other media outlets pounced, reporting that Nunes revealed he contracted the COVID-19 virus. Blake Taylor, the stations’ program manager, said he responded to some national journalists on Twitter with clarity of what Nunes actually said.

“Almost immediately, Twitter temporarily suspended the KMJNOW Twitter account with no explanation.  Our blackout lasted about 20 minutes.  When I tweeted @Twitter for an explanation, I received no response,” Taylor said.

GV Wire℠ reached out to Twitter for a response, but did not receive one as of time of publication.

Nunes Advocates for Blood Donations

During his interview with Appleton, Nunes encouraged listeners to donate plasma, especially if they have had COVID. The congressman echoed the same themes as part of his 2020 reelection campaign.

“I just spent the last several hours giving blood plasma … I actually tested positive for the COVID antibodies. When that happened, the doctor said you need to give plasma right away so I wanted to make sure we kept it here in the Valley. And, I’ll tell you, I was a little alarmed,” Nunes said during the interview.

Taylor said many national outlets picked up on the story including the New York Times, Associated Press and CNN. GV Wire also covered the story.

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email