The Free Press offers an index that rates the independence of each of the media giants and analyzes their ability to defend democracy.Margaret Sullivan: “Thirty five of the largest and most influential media organizations in the United States get a rating for their relative independence or lack thereof. The ratings, which come with explanations, range from a star (signaling independence) up to five chickens (signaling propaganda). As you’ll see, there are enough chickens in these ratings to start a good-sized poultry farm.”