Fighting Misinformation
Last week, Filipino journalist Maria Ressa’s crusading work against misinformation was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (along with journalist Dmitry Muratov of Russia). The courageous work of Ressa and her colleagues at the digital outlet Rappler is the subject of FRONTLINE’s award-winning documentary A Thousand Cuts. The film highlights how they document that social media is being used to spread “fake news,” manipulate public discourse and erode democracy. Upon hearing the news of the award, Ressa said, “When you don't have facts, you don't have truth. You don't have trust. Trust is what holds us together to be able to solve the complex problems our world is facing today.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Misinformation is rampant. A new poll from the Pearson Institute and the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has found that 95% of Americans identified the spread of misinformation as a major problem when they are trying to access important information. A dozen anti-vaccine accounts are now responsible for 65% of misinformation related to COVID-19.?Recently, a whistleblower revealed Facebook’s role in amplifying the spread of “fake news,” lies, and misinformation.
This is not a new phenomenon. In the 1930s, William Randolph Hearst stoked propaganda, fear, and division, and founded what came to be known as “yellow journalism.” My colleagues at AMERICAN EXPERIENCE recently premiered the film Citizen Hearst, an incisive examination of William Randolph Hearst and the unprecedented power he wielded through his media empire Cameo George, executive producer of AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, noted “In today’s polarized media landscape, the explosion of false narratives seems to undermine the very concept of what qualifies as news.” Recognizing Hearst’s role couldn’t be more timely.
One of the best ways to combat misinformation is to support local trusted journalism that is fact-based, accountable, transparent, and represents the community—the kind of journalism provided by public media. Another way to fight “fake news” is by ensuring that future generations of journalists are given ample opportunities for training. The FRONTLINE/Firelight Fellowships and Report for America are doing just that.
GBH is committed to the truth, facts and combating misinformation, disinformation, and “fake news." Here are some tips to help you think critically, analyze sources, and access information online. For more media literacy resources, check out GBH’s?Combating Disinformation portal.
President at Sue Auclair Promotions
3 年Well said