Mar 12, 2018 - Technology

Local politicians join the "fake news" bandwagon

Axios

Photo: Cheriss May / NurPhoto via Getty Images

"Fake news" has become ubiquitous as a signal to a politician's supporters to ignore legitimate reporting and hard questions, and as a smear of beleaguered and dwindling local press corps, AP's Ryan Foley writes.

Why it matters: Experts on the press and democracy say the cries of "fake news" could do long-term damage by sowing confusion and contempt for journalists and by undermining the media's role as a watchdog organization.

Some examples from the AP's report:

An Idaho state lawmaker urges her constituents to submit entries for her "fake news awards."
The Kentucky governor tweets #FAKENEWS to dismiss questions about his purchase of a home from a supporter.
An aide to the Texas land commissioner uses the phrase to downplay the significance of his boss receiving donations from employees of a company that landed a multimillion-dollar contract.

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Local politicians join the "fake news" bandwagon

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