Want To Know Fake News When You See It? [1]
Submitted by Diane Farsetta [2] on
The Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) today reported on three recent instances where a single television station aired entire, pre-packaged video news releases [3] (VNRs). The sponsored "fake news [4]" spots, all involving WGTU-TV 29 in Traverse City, Mich., can be seen at www.prwatch.org/fakenews3/summary [5]. The new VNR catches prove that, despite mounting pressure from the public and the Federal Communications Commission [6], television stations continue to air fake news without disclosure. With the media reform group Free Press, CMD filed a formal complaint with the FCC. Under the slogan "Know Fake News," CMD and Free Press are also encouraging concerned citizens to contact the FCC [7], calling on the agency to address all pending fake news complaints, including the new VNR broadcasts, and to clarify VNR disclosure requirements.