In 2010 I raised the question: Are the media and local supporting governments part of “an unspoken alliance of no negatives about HOAs?” I avoided using the word “conspiracy” because all it takes is a nod or wink that everybody understands. No written or verbal statement was necessary.
In 2012 I wrote,
It is interesting that the media always fails to mention this affiliation with CAI, as many of these attorneys lecture on how to live happily in an HOA. And they are supported by your local town government through seminars and conferences like the HOA Academy and Leadership Centre programs.
How about your Attorney General? Your consumer protection agencies? Your real estate department? The Realtors? Heard or read anything of substance from them against HOAs? Gee, maybe I’m delusional and there are no serious issues of substance after all.
In 2013 when a homeowner filed suit against the AZ legislature challenging the constitutionality of an HOA bill (HB 1454), not a word or peep from the media or those self-promoting think tanks like The Goldwater Institute, Institute for Justice, and ACLU. And today, not a word or peep from the media or the think tank constitutionalists, about the landmark protected free speech law (HB 2158; AZ law Ch 125 (2022)) concerning HOA governing issues.
It is an unexplainable bias in favor of the HOA model of governance by those in a position to understand and to know better. Sort of a mass group think conduct nationwide. Some may call it a cult where opposing thoughts and information are rejected, ignored, and denied, and the “messengers” are attacked. The silence is so contrary to human behavior — the normal curve — to conclude forces are at work.
A major exception did occur in 2016 when the conscientious reporter, Judy Thomas of the KC Star (KC Star: problem with HOA? Don’t go to CAI ), tried to do what’s right, but ran into the corporate bias wall. It was a unique exposure, standing all alone but nothing was accomplished.
HOA Constitutional Government 
Oh but the “conspiracy” has been very obvious too obvious, yet far too many close their eyes, or have their heads in the sand in order not to bring the wrath (retaliation) of speaking the truth far too many investigative reporters just do a surface investigation in as long as it brings or is newsworthy that would bring some type of attention to their newspaper or TV news. Far too many State lawmakers let or allow these HOA trade groups to lobby their agenda in order to keep these HOA trade groups with jobs – profit-making mechanisms in place.
Thank you–I think about this too. A wink and a nod–yeah. I wrote an expose of sorts on HOA law in Utah and submitted it to the Salt Lake Tribune many years ago. I actually received a call from the editor of the Real Estate section and he said that he knew what I was writing needed to be said, but they could not publish it becasue the realtors paid so very much in advertising. They could not chance it. Sigh. No more real journalism for a very long time in this nation.
I was one of dozens interviewed for the HOAs from Hell series by Judy Thomas. Remember it well.
I would not say media is biased in favor of HOAs. But many investigative reporters still have much to learn.
Overall, though, public awareness is growing and opinions are changing.
The pro-HOA bias still exists in state Legislatures. That needs to change.