Category Archives: Fake News

If, just a few years ago, someone had stated in public that a global elite was kidnapping children and torturing them to harvest their blood to make an elixir of youth, they would have been directed to the nearest psychiatric ward. Yet according to a British poll, some 10% of US citizens saythey believe in at least some elements of this absurd theory known asQAnon.

The conspiracy theory has also been doing the rounds in Germany and, according to the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, which sets out to combat far-right ideologies and racism, it has already attracted some 150,000 supporters. This makes the German QAnon community the largest outside of the English-speaking realm.

A Konrad Adenauer Foundation study conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 found that around a third of Germans were open to conspiracy theories. Not counting children under 14, that's 24 million people. Other polls support this figure,and have found many links between QAnon supporters, COVID-19 deniers and right-wing extremists.

How can such blatant nonsense resonate in an enlightened world? After all, this is the 21st century, not the Middle Ages. The answer is: It's just all a mouse click away.Social networks are the perfect breeding ground for fake news and conspiracy theories.

A study conducted in Germany by Correctiv, which describes itself as a nonprofit investigativenewsroom, concluded that Facebook and YouTube were the platforms on which the most false information was spread, with messaging services such as Telegram and WhatsApp not far behind. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technologyfound that it took six times longer to reach 1,500 people with real news than with fake news.

Social media platforms are in a predicament. On the one hand, they have tended to defend a very broad concept of free speech and tolerate content that amounts to fake news, profanity and insults. It was only in October 2020 that Facebook agreed to take down "content that denies or distorts the Holocaust." Holocaust denial has long been considered a crime in many countries.

On the other hand, these platformsare beginning to admit that the rapid spread of fake news and hatred facilitated by their platforms poses a danger as shown by the storming of the US Capitol last month.

In response to this wake-up call, some platforms are beginning to hold users to account and have blocked the accounts of prominent and less prominent people. Some also now flag fake news with a warning.

But this isn't enough. Facebook and the rest must also be made liable for content such as fake news and hate speech posted on their platforms. The European Commission has tried to address this with its Digital Services Act but faces the difficulty of navigating the thin line between curbing the spread of fake news and censorship.

Martin Muno

Not only that media competence must also be taught more in schools.Young people are more likely to gain their information from social media than traditional news outlets, which need to develop formats better suited to reaching the "YouTube generation."

These are urgent, crucial changes.Conspiracy theories must be resisted because they harbor the potential to destroy democracies, as witnessed not so long ago in Washington.

Last week, in her speech to the German Bundestag on International Holocaust Day, the activist and politician Marina Weisband made it clear: "Being Jewish in Germany means understanding that [the Holocaust] did happen, and that it could happen again. It means that anti-Semitism doesn't start when somebody shoots at a synagogue. That the Shoah did not begin with the gas chambers. It starts with conspiracy narratives."

This article has been adapted from German

Who was really behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York? Was it the US government, meaning the Twin Towers were subject to a controlled explosion? Was it a Jewish conspiracy, with some claiming that Jews did not go to work in the World Trade Center that day? An exhibition titled "Conspiracy theories then and now" at the Dalheim Monastery shows how such beliefs emerge and are maintained.

In the so-called "Protocols of the Elders of Zion," 12 Jewish leaders allegedly layed out their plans to conquer the world in writing. In reality, the 1903 document (pictured here in the exhibition at the Dalheim Monastery) is a work of fiction by Sergej Nilus, an anti-Semitic Russian writer and publisher. The protocols are a central part of modern day anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.

The idea of a Jewish conspiracy was also a central part of Nazi ideology. The Nazis spread alleged revelations gleaned from the fake Protocols of the Elders of Zion for their own purposes, reprinting them in their weekly "Der Strmer" (The Attacker) propaganda newspaper.

People who believe in the barcode conspiracy probably have a special pen in their pockets when they approach a checkout counter to neutralize what they believe is negative energy radiating from the barcode. The barcode information supposedly aims to reduce the world population. Some companies even go so far as to print a line through the barcode to keep their customers happy.

Those seeking to explain major political events and revolutions have often invoked grand conspiracies. In the wake of the 1789 French Revolution, secret societies such as the Freemasons and Illuminati were seen as the all-powerful rabble-rousers. Pictured is an Illuminati Minerval class medal currently on show at the "Conspiracy Theory - Past and Present" exhibit that runs through March 22, 2030.

Author: Torsten Landsberg (db)

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Opinion: QAnon, conspiracy theories are no joke - DW (English)

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Monday gave his first reaction on fake news that has been doing the rounds after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2021-22.

Speaking exclusively to DNA Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary, Javadekar said that the Narendra Modi government is committed to farmers' empowerment and so it has introduced several schemes in the last few years. This year the Modi government to increase the income of the farmers so it is imposing agriculture cess.

However, the consumer will not have to pay more for any of these items. On the hike in petrol prices, he said that the cess will not affect people as it is being imposed after removing excise duty. The government is increasing farmers income.The burden will not be on people' pocket but on the government, stated Javadekar, adding that fake news was doing rounds on this.

Secondly, he added that another fake news that has been doing rounds was that the government is planning to sell LIC. He added that the ownership of LIC will remain with the government but a few shares will be floated in the market as Initial public offering (IPO). He added that news of the government giving up ownership is not right.

He also said that during the UPA-rule the inflation or price rise was in double digits every year but now it has been controlled.

Javadekar spoke on the fake news on the picture of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Rashtrapati Bhavan and that on farmer's death due to police firing. He said that some journalists tweeted that it was the picture of an actor and not that of Netaji, which is fake news, as even the actor in question confirmed that it was not his picture. The Union Minister said that it was wrong to spread such fake news and called it irresponsible to post such content without FactCheck. He also added that no farmer was killed in police firing.

Earlier, Javadekar hailed the Budget as 'forward-looking' and said it will give a major fillip to employment. Speaking to the media after the presentation of the budget by Sitharaman in Parliament, Javadekar commented that the coronavirus pandemic has hit economies across the world, but India is moving forward towards prosperity along with winning the battle against COVID-19.

"India has not only won the battle against COVID-19 but is also moving forward in its fight against poverty and towards prosperity," he said. Highlighting the massive budgetary boost in capital expenditure, the Minister said that the over Rs five lakh crore investment in infrastructure is a major initiative. "This will give a major fillip to employment," he added.

The budget will do justice with farmers, generate more employment opportunities and will be beneficial for all, the BJP leader said.

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DNA exclusive: Prakash Javadekar`s first reaction on fake news - Zee News

Andy Farrell has dismissed as fake news the queue of former Ireland internationals and pundits lining up to rubbish Wales' chances on Sunday.

Wales' difficulties under new boss Wayne Pivac saw them only beat Italy and Georgia in 2020 - in a year when they also lost twice to Ireland.

Both games were at the Aviva Stadium, however, and Ireland head coach Farrell is keen to talk up the Welsh threat ahead of the Principality Stadium clash in Cardiff.

Reacting to the confident words of the likes of Stephen Ferris and Donal Lenihan, Farrell said: "That's the way of the world, we are realistic that's what happens.

"I think between the two camps we know the truth. We know it is going to be a war of attrition at the weekend.

"We haven't won in Cardiff since 2013, which says a lot. We are expecting Wales to be 100% at their best.

"We have played them at their best before and come unstuck so we have prepared accordingly.

"Listen, it doesn't really matter what goes on in the papers or the news in the coming days, the game will still be the same.

"Both teams will try and get in the ascendancy and a foothold in the game.

"Physically, set piece...once the whistle goes the game is just the same. We expect a tough old battle."

So the claim that the Welsh are past it in this post-Warren Gatland era?

I dont believe that for one second," declared Farrell. "Our boys are very familiar with everyone on the Welsh squad because they play against them all the time.

"Some are good friends and we know what top performers they can be when they come under pressure. This is the start of a new competition and theyll want to right some wrongs.

Theyre an experienced side that has been in good positions before and difficult positions before.

"I suppose the slate is wiped clean at the start of a competition and this is a huge game for both teams."

Farrell has made four changes from the side that beat Scotland in Ireland's final Autumn Nations Cup clash in December.

James Lowe, Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose all return after injury, with Lowe, who hasn't played since suffering a groin injury in November, the most surprising call.

Not really, not in our eyes," Farrell said. "Hes a great player thats right for this game.

"Hes been in great form. Its been seamless him getting back into action like most of the other lads.

"In his position, Jordan (Larmour) hasnt played much games either. Andrew Conway in the same boat.

"Theyve all come in fit and raring to go and up to speed on where we need to be.

"When you select a side obviously first and foremost you want the right balance for the side and I think you can agree its a strong team, a strong 23 and one thats raring to go at the start of a new competition."

There are plenty of Irish players like Lowe who have had very little in the way of top-level competition over the last few weeks.

Most teams are in that predicament as well," said Farrell.

"We asked the boys to make sure at the end of the autumn that, come the Six Nations, they were fit and healthy and raring to go and to perform at the top level, whats needed to compete with the best of the Six Nations.

"And we like what we have seen from all of the squad, really."

Reacting to the Josh Adams controversy after the dangerous winger breached Welsh Covid protocols by attending a family event last weekend, Farrell said he had no worries about the rest of the home side being healthy.

"All teams are getting tested twice a week, I suppose you can't get more stringent than that," he said.

"It is something that we spoke about when we first came into camp and it is something we have spoken about since because obviously we want to make sure that does not happen in our group.

"Everyone is keeping a stringent eye on protocols and it is something we are doing pretty well and did do pretty well during the autumn."

Wales, as expected, have gone with George North at no 13 in the absence of Jonathan Davies, record-breaking caps holder and skipper Alun Wyn Jones returns to the line-up and veteran Dan Lydiate has returned to a vastly experienced back row.

"It was expressed in the press so we were aware of it anyway," Farrell remarked.

"George North at 13 is something they have done before and Alun Wyn comes straight back into the side, I am sure he will add an advantage there to the feeling of the group.

"Lydiate coming back in will add new energy to the group. We expect them to be strong anyway but that side is a strong one."

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Andy Farrell dismisses predictions of Ireland canter in Cardiff as fake news - Irish Mirror

More than 2000 primary and secondary students across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are taking part in a number of free sessions designed to help children and young people learn how to spot fake news online.

The sessions have been organised by the Cyber Ambassador Scheme run by the Police and Crime Commissioners team as part of this years national Safer Internet Day on 9th February.

Online escape roomPrimary/Junior school students are taking part in a live online escape room where they will be tasked with unlocking codes to fight against fake news, and secondary/college students are taking part in a virtual webinar with interactive polls and quizzes.

At both events students will be able to get expert insights and advice from colleagues from the University of Portsmouth Cyber Crime Clinic.

Safer Internet Day Safer Internet Day is organised by the UK Safer Internet Centre. This years theme is exploring factual accuracy in the online world, looking at how users can separate fact from fiction.

The Cyber Ambassador events will be looking at false information, targeted advertising and influencer content, and focus on equipping young people with the skills that they need to spot inaccurate content.

Develop skills to be able to navigate complex online worldJames Payne, Chief Executive of the Police and Crime Commissioners office, said,

Living through a pandemic as a child means life is increasingly playing out online, including lessons as well as social interactions with friends on social media or gaming platforms.

Children have to make decisions at all times about who and what to trust online, and are being confronted with content that may not be all that it seems.

It is therefore important that they develop the skills they need to be able to navigate the complex online world and our Cyber Ambassador Scheme helps them do exactly that.

Free peer-to-peer cyber safety educationThe Cyber Ambassador Scheme provides free peer-to-peer cyber safety education and support to thousands of young people across the Hampshire and IOW policing area. Continuing to grow in reach and recognition, the scheme is now working in partnership with the University of Portsmouth Cyber Crime Clinic, Amazon Web Services, the Cyber HubTrust, CEOP ambassadors and CISCONetworking Academy.

These collaborations will help to expand the scheme even further, bridging cyber safety and cyber security, and will provide Cyber Ambassadors with even more opportunities to increase their knowledge so that they can keep their peers safer online.

Helping everybody understandhowandwhythey need to stay safe online Michael Klonowski, CEO of the CyberHub Trust, explained,

The Trust works with children, students and adults, to facilitate learning and real world work experience, to develop skills, experience and qualifications in Cyber Security. This is all based on the importance of helping everybody understandhowandwhythey need to stay safe online.

We are pleased to be collaborating with the NCA and the Police and Crime Commissioners Cyber Ambassador Scheme.

With all sessions for Safer Internet Day being fully booked, the webinar for secondary schools will be made available onYouTube(search for Cyber Ambassadors). Any schools interested in similar webinars or dial-in sessions as part of their online learning provision can contact the Cyber Ambassador Scheme via[emailprotected].

News shared by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Michael Lane. Ed

Image: United Nations under CC BY 2.0

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Pupils will learn how to spot fake news on Safer Internet Day - On The Wight

For the second time this month, a section of Kashmirs Valley-based media is in the dock for circulating fake news. The last time, it was allegation of a fake encounter being driven by lure of reward money, which expectedly fell flat since everyone knows that army doesnt have any system of cash awards for anti-terrorist operations. Hence, those who carried this fake news obviously disregarded fundamentals of responsible reporting that requires publishing both sides of a story. So, its extremely difficult to accept that this fake report was an unintentional faux pas, but lets give the publishers benefit of doubt.

However, with yet another fake news report of an army unit coercing the management of a private school in Imamsahib area of Shopian in South Kashmir to celebrate Republic Day [RD] coming just days after the fabricated killing for cash lie was exposed, its evident that theres much more than what meets the eye, as Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, a religious institution that runs the school where alleged forced RD celebrations were held, has outrightly rubbished this news report. In a written statement, it has clarified that The news item appeared in news portal Kashmiriyat and Kashmir Walla regarding pressure for organising such events [RD celebrations] and the hand of security agencies is negated as being a totally baseless allegation.Infact, by going on to state that On 26th of January, celebration of Republic Day took place in the vicinity of an educational institution Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom at Imamsahib Shopian and that Local people, students and administration participated in the ceremony, the school management has mentioned public participation in this event- a fact that no media house in Kashmir has reported. So, as the function wasnt held in the school as reported but in its vicinity, in which local people had also participated, its obvious that the news report has been crafted with an ulterior motive.This incident assumes greater significance due to three reasons. Firstly, the concerned army unit and school management have lodged a FIR against publishers of this motivated news since it has clearly been published with malicious intent, thereby sending a clear signal that security forces would no longer remain silent spectators when falsely accused of wrongdoings by media through inaccurate or motivated reportage. Secondly, that locals are voluntarily participating in a national function unambiguously debunks claims of pro-Pakistan lobby regarding overwhelming anti-India public sentiments in Kashmir, and this may be the reason for not reporting the same. The last issue concerns a perceptible lack of professional integrity of accepting mistake, and instead, playing the clichd victim card. Whats even more disquieting is that instead of defending their version with facts, the concerned news portals have attempted to justify their inaccurate report by citing endorsements by certain media associations, journalists and even some unknown Twitterati. Without intending to cast aspersions on antecedents of any organisation or individual, a few comments which the news portals are using as crutches are mentioned below:DIGIPUB News India Foundation has been quoted as saying, We also condemn the FIRs against two news portals The Kashmiriyat and Kashmirwalla for reporting alleged pressure faced by a private school in Shopian, Jammu, and Kashmir, to celebrate Republic Day. Since the concerned school management has debunked this news report in writing, for DIGIPUB to condemn FIRs against two news portals makes no sense, because aggrieved parties have the constitutional right to seek legal remedy. Hence, in The editor of a Jammu based newspaper has been quoted saying that If the army felt this was baseless, they could have given a clarification. Surely, it would have been published. Stop criminalising journalism. The question to the learned editor is- since when has seeking legal protection against motivated acts aimed at defamation amount to criminalising journalism?A Kashmiri author and journalist, has supposedly said that Media fraternity in Kashmir is so frightened or so used to the remaining silent spectator that it does not utter a word when colleagues and organizations are silenced, intimidated, harassed and vilified, one by one Will this erudite person kindly demystify his paradoxical statement- because if media in Kashmir is actually being silenced, intimidated, harassed and vilified, then could it have ever dared to publish such a blatantly inaccurate report? Furthermore, does seeking legal redress for being demonised tantamount to being silenced, intimidated, harassed and vilified?Media in Kashmir has undoubtedly been facing grave threats ever since militancy erupted, but contrary to general belief, its not the establishment or security forces, but unidentified gunmen who are actually muzzling the press. Starting with murder of Doordarshan Director Lassa Kaul and Assistant Director of Information PN Handoo in 1990, faceless assassins have targeted several media persons, and Rising Kashmir founder and editor Shujaat Bukhari was their latest victim. Use of the unidentified gunmen phrase keeps media persons in Kashmir out of harms way, so lets not rock the boat by trying to reveal their identity-because as the wise have said, discretion is the better part of valour!

Email:----nileshkunwar.56@gmail.com

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Fake News and Kashmir Media - Brighter Kashmir

Analysis: the new act represents incremental progress, but it remains far from clear whether its provisions will improve anti-disinformation efforts

Disinformation has become even more amplified in the last year. Covid-19 has proven to be fertile breeding ground for lies, continuing into the 2021 with the vaccine roll out. In Ireland,digital lies circulated following the shooting of George Nkencho, while campaigns of disinformationfloodedlast year's US presidential election.

These events are symptomatic of a social media landscape that continually threatens democratic institutions. In December 2020, the European Union introduced the Digital Services Actto replace outdated rules for digital platforms with standards fit for the 21st century. While hailed by some as awatershed moment for big tech regulation, its role in curtailing digital disinformation remains ambiguous. While the act carries important signs of progress, it represents only an incremental step in the continuing battle between European institutions and anti-democratic actors who seek to influence elections.

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FromRT Radio 1's Ryan Tubridy Show, CNN's Kerryman Donie O'Sullivan onhow fake news and disinformation can be used to cause real harm

The act is the latest attempt by the European Union to regulate how "digital services" operate. The obsoleteE-Commerce Directivehas until now been the flagship European legal framework for regulating digital services in the single market. However, the communication landscape has been significantly altered since the introduction of the directive in 2000. Major platforms like Facebook, Twitterand YouTube were absent from the public sphere back then, but are now important conduits not just for commerce but also for democratic elections. Unsurprisingly, this prompted calls for reform.

Broadly, the act targets how technological platforms safeguard the rights of users and encourages greater transparency in how they operate. It introduces harmonised standards for tackling illegal content, and provides a basic framework to facilitate greater user knowledge into how content is moderated and distributed through algorithms.

Provisions of the act introduce mechanisms for "flagging" unlawful content, challenging content moderation decisions, and insulating against misuse and abuse of "very large online platforms." The act also provides researchers with limited access to data on how the largest platforms operate. Through these necessary developments, the act takes a step in the right direction by incorporating two crucial principles of transparency and accountability.

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FromRT Radio 1'sDrivetime, Orla Twomet fromthe Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland and Niamh Sweeney fromWhatsApp ontackling online disinformation during the Covid-19 pandemic

Less certain is how the act will insulate European democracy from digital disinformation. It is supposed to signify a transition from self-regulation to co-regulation but, inthe context of disinformation, the current self-regulation of platforms simply means that platforms like Facebook and Twitter effectively craft their own rules that determine how they tackle disinformation.

While there have technically been guidelines from the European Commission since 2018 through theCodes of Practice on Disinformation, large platforms have never been legally obliged to incorporate procedures from these guidelines. This lack of enforceability has led to implementation gaps in how different platforms safeguard against disinformation. As a form of co-regulation, the act allows the EU to set an essential framework through a legislative proposal with the platforms filling in details for how these will materialise.

An ongoing problem that the act will not resolve is the issue of harmful but not illegal content. The act focuses on how platforms curtail "illegal" content, and introduces "trusted flaggers" to notify platforms when such content is recognised. New transparency obligations require platforms to share data surrounding how they suspend those who disseminate "manifestly illegal content".

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FromRT Radio 1'sToday with Sean O'Rourke, CaroleCadwalladr from The Observer and US congressman David Cicilline on the spread of fake news and disinformation

Risk assessments that platforms carry out in accordance with the act primarily address how to avoid the misuse of services to disseminate illegal content. However, unlike many other forms of harmful content, disinformation is often not strictly illegal. While co-ordinated disinformation campaigns distort the democratic process, the false content disseminated is often not unlawful, and therefore can avoid the same legal scrutiny that is applied tochild pornography or materialinciting terrorism.

Because the act focuses heavily on illegal content, its main contribution to fighting disinformation is to beef up the existing guidelines under the current Codes of Practice, which the European Commission has pledged to update by Spring 2021. While this comes across as a type of self-regulation 2.0, promising developments are in the legislative pipeline through the European Democracy Action Plan. This includes planned legislation to improve transparency of sponsored political content.

It must also be acknowledged that proposed "risk management" procedures within the act demonstrate an awareness of "intentional manipulation" of services and "inauthentic use of automated exploitation" of networks. While encouraging, these stepsare piecemeal in the bigger picture.

Legislation alone cannot minimise disinformation and theproblem is not as simple as removing individual pieces of "bad" content. Modern disinformation, often not illegal, exists along nodes of a sophisticated and layered system of content distribution. Users as well as platforms shape this system. Sophisticated actors exploit existing social divisions, and weaponise platforms in dynamic and inventive ways. This is evident through WhatsApp's involvement in spreading Covid-19 misinformation in Irelandand widespreadlies on TikTok before the US presidential election.

The act is playing a game of catch-up with technology. What's fundamentally needed are legal frameworks that can both keep up with and anticipate technological changes. For disinformation, the act is not the holy grail, but hopefully lays regulatory scaffolding for more concrete progress.

The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RT

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How will the EU's new act deal with online lies and fake news? law - RTE.ie

This article was originally published here

Can Commun Dis Rep. 2020 Nov 5;46(1112):432-435. doi: 10.14745/ccdr.v46i1112a11. eCollection 2020 Nov 5.

ABSTRACT

Misinformation and disinformation (fake news) about vaccines are contagious-travelling faster and farther than truth. The consequences are serious; leading to negative impacts on health decisions, including vaccine acceptance, and on trust in immunization advice from public health and/or healthcare professional. This article provides a brief overview of evidence-based strategies to address vaccine deniers in public, in clinical practice and in social situations. As well, a strategy to help differentiate between vaccine deniers and simple vaccine refusers in a practice or clinic is provided. Five tactics are widely used by vaccine deniers: conspiracy; fake experts; selectivity; impossible expectations; and misrepresentation and false logic. Recognizing and understanding these tactics can help protect against misinformation and science denialism propaganda. Highlighting the strong medical science consensus on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines also helps. Carefully and wisely choosing what to say and speaking up-whether you are at a dinner party, out with friends or in your medical office or clinic-is crucial. Not speaking up implies you agree with the misinformation. Having healthcare providers recognize and address misinformation using evidence-based strategies is of growing importance as the arrival of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines is expected to further ramp up the vaccine misinformation and disinformation rhetoric. Healthcare providers must prepare themselves and act now to combat the vaccine misinformation tsunami.

PMID:33447164 | PMC:PMC7799877 | DOI:10.14745/ccdr.v46i1112a11

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Fake news and science denier attacks on vaccines. What can you do? - DocWire News

>> THAT IS WHAT I WAS TOLD. >> IT IS TIME TO GO "ON THE RECORD" WITH WRAL NEWS. >> GOOD EVENING AT THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR "ON THE RECORD", I AM DEBRA MORGAN. TONIGHT A DISCUSSION THE HITS CLOSE TO HOME, THE GOING DISTRESS OF THE MEDIA AND HOW THE EROSION OF FAITH IN JOURNALISM IMPACTS OUR DEMOCRACY. WE EXPLORE WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO CALL THE PRESS FAKE NEWS, PHRASE PRESIDENT TRUMP UTTERED OFTEN WHILE IN THE WHITE HOUSE. EVEN DECLARED THE MEDIA THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE. FOR WE REACH OUT TO OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS WE START WITH JOE FISHER WITH A LOOK AT HOW IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO ONE THAT TRUST BACK EVEN WITH A NEW PRESIDENT AND OFFICE. >> Reporter: RIDERS WHO STORM THE U.S. CAPITAL LEFT THIS MARK ON THE DOOR. SHOWING THE DISTRUST FELT BY SOME ACROSS THE COUNTRY. AND TOWERING OVER THIS ROAD IN EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA. >> ULA DOING YOUR JOB. >> Reporter: THIS MAN IS CONVINCED THAT PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP -- WON THE ELECTION. >> ALL THE STUFF ABOUT BE IN A FAIR ELECTION IS HOGWASH, WILL NEVER BELIEVE IT. >> Reporter: HE IS NOT ALONE IN BELIEVING BALLOT FRAUD IN GEORGIA, IN SPITE OF INVESTIGATIONS THAT FOUND NO EVIDENCE AND REJECTIONS OF THOSE CLAIMS BY MULTIPLE JUDGES. >> I WANT TO SEE MORE EVIDENCE, STATE-BY-STATE NOT JUST GEORGIA. BUT, IF NOTHING ELSE, AN AIR OF SUSPICION LEAVING 70 TO 80 MILLION PEOPLE VERY ANGRY AND VERY UPSET. >> Reporter: A CONSERVATIVE CAMPAIGN STRATEGIST SAYS HE HAS LOST TRUST IN THE MEDIA'S ABILITY TO BE OBJECTIVE. >> MORE PARROTING, MORE HEADLINES, BUMPER STICKER QUOTES AND BURNING THROUGH STUFF WITHOUT DEPTH, THAT IS WHAT I THINK UPSETS A LOT OF INTELLIGENT PEOPLE THAT WANT TO KNOW MORE OF THE TRUE STORY. TO MAKE YOUR FAKE NEWS. >> Reporter: DR. DANIEL CREASES POLITICIANS OF LONG TRIED TO DISCREDIT REPORTERS, BUT THE RHETORIC, HE SAYS, HAS BEEN AMPLIFIED UNDER PRESIDENT TRUMP. >> POLITICIANS ARE CAPITALIZING ON THE FACT THAT AMERICANS ARE MORE PARTISAN THAN THEY WERE 20, 30, 40 YEARS AGO. DELEGITIMIZING THOSE DEPENDENT VOICES THAT ARE WORKING TO HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE IS TO A POLITICIAN, GAME. >> Reporter: USES THE RISE OF CABLE TV, INDEPENDENT WEBSITES, AND SOCIAL MEDIA HAVE BLURRED THE LINES BETWEEN NEWS AND OPINION. >> WE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF BEING TOLD HALF-TRUTHS, TOTAL, BLATANT LIES. >> Reporter: HE SAYS THE TERM FAKE NEWS MIGHT BE STICKING AROUND. BUT SO IS JOURNALISM. ONE OF THE PILLARS TO OUR GREAT DEMOCRACY. >> I THINK LAST WEEK WAS A DEEP WAKE-UP CALL. I HOPE THAT WE WILL SEE SOME NEW WAYS TO COME TOGETHER TO CLEARLY REJECT THESE ANTIDEMOCRATIC THREATS, AND BUILD A COMMON LIFE MOVING FORWARD. >> Reporter: I AM JOE FISHER, WRAL NEWS. >> JOE WILL JOIN US IN A FEW MINUTES HOW HE GOES ABOUT HIS JOB AS A REPORTER TO ENSURE FAIRNESS. WILL ALSO HEAR MORE FROM ONE OF THE PEOPLE YOU SAW, WHO IS LOST TRUST IN THE MEDIA. AND PAT McCRORY WHO NOW HAS A DAILY RADIO TALK SHOW IN CHARLOTTE. FIRST, WITH TREMENDOUS INSIGHT INTO THIS ISSUE, SUSAN KING AT UNC, DEAN KING, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US. >> THANK YOU FOR INVITING ME. >> WITHIN HOURS OF THE ATTACK AT THE CAPITOL, YOU SENT A MESSAGE TO THE ALUMNI DATABASE STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF A FREE PRESS AND THE ROLE IT PLAYS IN THE DEMOCRACY, SAYING, QUOTE, DEMOCRACY IS FRAGILE AND THE LIFEBLOOD IS A ROBUST AND INDEPENDENT MEDIA. HOW ARE THE MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY INTERTWINED? >> I GUESS I HAVE ALWAYS FELT SUCH A PRIVILEGE TO BE A JOURNALIST, BECAUSE A JOB WITH THE FIRST AMENDMENT BEHIND US. THE FOUNDING FATHERS BELIEVED IN THE ROLE OF THE PRESS AND THOSE GREAT QUOTES FROM JESPERSEN, WHAT YOU WANT TO HAVE? BETTER REPORTERS OR NOXIOUS REPORTERS, OR NO REPORTERS? HE DECIDED TO HAVE REPORTERS. IT HELPS TO KEEP US ON OUR TOES , SOMEONE HAS TO ASK TOUGH QUESTIONS. JOURNALISTS DO THAT. >> MANY AMERICANS BELIEVE THE MEDIA IS BIASED AND TRYING TO PUSH AN AGENDA, SOME BELIEVING THE MEDIA IS TRYING TO RUIN THE COUNTRY. IS THE MEDIA TO BLAME FOR THE POLITICAL DIVIDE? >> I THINK WE HAVE SEEN THE TRUST IN THE MEDIA ERODE FOR MANY YEARS NOW. IT IS THAT A REAL HIGH POINT, AND AS DEAN OF A JOURNALISM SCHOOL, I FEEL PART OF MY JOB IS TO TRY TO REBUILD THAT TRUST. AND REALLY ACCESS THE VALUE. I HAVE PARTNERED WITH JOURNALIST IN ARKANSAS, AND WE STAND BY THE VALUES THAT SAY THERE MUST NOT BE -- THERE ARE OPINIONS, AND THERE IS SEXUAL FACTUAL REPORTING, AND WE HAVE TO BRING INTO OUR STUDENTS THE IDEA OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A JOURNALIST SERVING THE PUBLIC AND BRINGING THEM THE TRUTH IS WE LEARNED BECAUSE WE ARE TRUTH SEEKERS. WE DON'T REALLY HOLD OURSELVES TO THE ULTIMATE TRUTH. >> YOU WANT TO ASK YOU MORE ABOUT THAT IN OUR NEXT SEGMENT. FOR NOW, IN YOUR LETTER TO THE ALUMNI, HE ALSO WROTE, THIS PARTISAN ERA IN AMERICA HAS LED TO MANY LOSING TRUST IN JOURNALISM, AND THE PRESIDENT HAS SPENT FOUR YEARS TEARING DOWN OUR SYSTEM OF A FREE PRESS. HOW MUCH OF THIS LACK OF TRUST IS THE MEDIA'S FAULT? AND WOULD PRESIDENT TRUMP HAVE ANY POWER TO CALL THE MEDIA "FAKE NEWS" OF PEOPLE DIDN'T FIND SOME TRUTH TO THAT? >> THERE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PEOPLE WHO HAVE SAID USES CERTAIN PHRASES PEOPLE STARTED TO BELIEVE IT IF IT IS SET OFTEN ENOUGH. I THINK THAT THE PROFESSOR WHO YOU HAD IN THE PIECE BEFORE EXPLAINED IT ALSO WELL. THERE'S A BLURRING RIGHT NOW. I CONSIDER CABLE NEWS AT NIGHT, WHICH I WATCH, NEWS. I SEE OPINION FROM DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW, AND EYES GO ACROSS THE AISLE. ITS REAL OPINION, AND YET PEOPLE THINK THEY'RE WATCHING THE NEWS. SOCIAL MEDIA IS ALL OF THE BLOCK. THERE IS A LOT OF CONFUSION ABOUT IT, I UNDERSTAND WHY THE PUBLIC MAY BE CONFUSED. MORE THAN WE HAVE EVER HAD BEFORE, BUT WE GET MIXED UP WITH REPORTING. OPINION IS ONE THING, REPORTING IS ANOTHER. >> WE COULD DO ANOTHER PROGRAM ON SOCIAL MEDIA. HOW DOES SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE THE DISSEMINATION OF TRUTHFUL INFORMATION? >> IT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU GET. OUR STUDENTS ALL GET THEIR NEWS FROM THE TELEPHONE, RIGHT? TO THE NOWHERE THIS COMING FROM? IT COMES ACROSS AS A HEADLINE. TO THEY KNOW IF IT IS -- THE STUDY DONE BY GALLUP FOUND THAT MORE PEOPLE BELIEVED IN LOCAL TELEVISION MEDIA. THEY WATCH YOU EVERY NIGHT. THEY KNOW WHO YOU ARE, THEY MAY KNOW YOUR BIASES. THE PROBLEM I FIND IS THEY DON'T KNOW WHERE THEY'RE GETTING THIS INFORMATION. REAL MISINFORMATION, ORGANIZED AND PROPAGANDA IS WHAT YOU WOULD'VE CALLED IN WORLD WAR II. THAT IS COMING ACROSS AS A STORY OR A HEADLINE. SO, WE TRY TO ALSO TEACH ALL OF OUR STUDENTS ACROSS THE CAMPUS TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO READ THE MEDIA. BECAUSE THERE IS SOME VERY BIASED MEDIA, THERE IS SOME VERY POLITICAL MEDIA, AND SOME NEWS WERE PEOPLE TRYING TO REALLY GRAPPLE WITH THE TRUTH. >> I HAVE THAT STUDY RIGHT HERE, I HAVE BEEN READING IT DILIGENTLY. >> WAY! >> LOOKING AT TRUST IN THE MEDIA. ONES SHOWS THAT AMERICANS TRUST LOCAL NEWS MORE THE NATIONAL NEW. WHAT YOU THINK THAT IS? >> THEY IDENTIFY WITH THE PEOPLE GIVING THEM THE NEWS AND THEY GET TO BE WITH THEM EVERY DAY. THEY DON'T KNOW WHO IS TELLING THE NEWS OFTEN ON THE OTHER. BUT SOMETIMES, WHAT REALLY WORRIES ME ABOUT THAT STUDY, I THINK WE HAVE TO FACE UP TO HIS REPUBLICANS ARE MORE WORRIED ABOUT THE NEWS THE DEMOCRATS. DEMOCRATS SAY THEY CAN BELIEVE IT, AND THE BIGGEST ISSUE FOR ME IS YOUNG PEOPLE. PEOPLE WHO ARE OVER 65 HAVE A FAVORABLE VIEW OF THE NEW. THOSE UNDER 30, 19% SAID THEY HAVE A FAVORABLE NEWS VIEW. WHAT ARE WE BUILDING GOING FORWARD? I AM DEDICATED TO REALLY GOING TO REBUILD TRUST IN THE MEDIA, AND TO FIGHT FOR IT. WHICH IS WHY PUT THAT STATEMENT OUT. I THINK THE MEDIA DID A PRETTY GOOD JOB IN THE LEAST REVEALING TO US REVEALING WHAT WAS GOING ON DURING A VERY CHAOTIC AFTERNOON. >> I WANT TO ASK YOU SO MUCH MORE ABOUT THIS, AND YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT THINGS THAT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IN THE NEXT SEGMENT, TO. REPUBLICANS ARE MORE LIKELY TO DISTRUST THE MEDIA, THAT IS ACCORDING TO THIS REPORT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT. WE ASKED FOUR REPUBLICANS, McCRORY WHY THAT IS, COMING UP. >> WELCOME BACK TO "ON THE RECORD", I AM DEBRA MORGAN. WERE TALKING ABOUT FAITH AND TRUST IN THE ROLE IT PLAYS IN OUR DEMOCRACY. FOR ANYONE WITH AN EXTENDED INTEREST, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO CHECK OUT IN AUGUST 2020 STUDY FROM THE GALLUP FOUNDATION, IT MEASURED 20,000 AMERICANS ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE MEDIA. ONE OF THEIR METRICS, AMERICANS PERCEPTIONS OF POLITICAL BIAS IN THE NEWS BY POLITICAL PARTY. TAKE A LOOK AT THIS GRAPHIC. 46% OF AMERICANS OVERALL BELIEVE THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF BIAS IN NEWS COVERAGE BY PARTIES, THE NUMBERS LOWER AMONG DEMOCRATS A 27%. NEARLY HALF OF INDEPENDENTS AND TWO THIRDS OF REPUBLICANS AT 60%. IN AN EFFORT TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THIS GREATER DISTRUST AMONG REPUBLICANS, WE INVITED TWO PANELISTS YOU'VE SEEN OVER THE YEARS ON WRAL, PAT McCRORY AND CAMPAIGN SYNERGIST STEVE XAVIER. GOVERNOR YOU HAVE UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE, YOU NOW HAVE A DAILY RADIO TALK SHOW IN CHARLOTTE. AS WE LOOK AT THE RESULTS OF THIS STUDY CAN YOU TELL US WHY REPUBLICANS ARE MORE LIKELY TO DISTRUST THE MEDIA? >> LET ME FIRST SAY, NOW THAT I HAVE BEEN IN THE MEDIA ON A RADIO TALK SHOW AND I DO MEET THE PRESS ABOUT EVERY TWO MONTHS FOR THE LAST TWO OR THREE YEARS, I HAVE REALIZED THERE IS A SIMILARITY BETWEEN POLITICIANS AND THE MEDIA. THEY BOTH HAVE THIN SKIN, THEY'RE BOTH RATHER NARCISSISTIC, AND THEY'RE BOTH IN A BUSINESS OF SPEAKING TO THEIR BASE. BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO RESPOND TO WHAT THE BASE SAYS, BECAUSE THAT IS HOW THE REVENUES DERIVED. SO THE FIRST THING YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND WHEN YOU'RE IN MEDIA, IT IS A BUSINESS. AND THEY HAVE TO PAY THEIR BILLS. AND THAT MAY ALSO SHOW THE BIAS IN THE NARRATIVE OF THE STORIES THAT ARE PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC. IN WHATEVER LOCATION THE MAJORITY MIGHT BE IN THE AREA. SO YES, I BELIEVE, IS A REPUBLICAN, THE MAJORITY OF MEDIA TENDS TO BE MORE LIBERAL BIASED, BUT ALSO THE MEDIA IS VERY SEGREGATED. IN THEIR OWN SILOS, ESPECIALLY ON CABLE TV, WHERE THE LIBERALS ARE LISTENING TO LIBERALS COME THE CONSERVATIVES ARE LISTENING TO CONSERVATIVES. AND NO ONE IS HEARING BOTH SIDES. WHICH I THINK IS VERY DANGEROUS TO OUR DEMOCRACY, REGARDING THE SEGREGATION OF MEDIA AND THE AUDIENCE IT REACHES OUT AND THE NARRATIVE SET IN THAT MEDIA TO THE AUDIENCE THEY KNOW THEY DON'T WANT TO LOSE IN ORDER TO MAKE PROFIT. >> STEPHEN, WE HEARD YOU TALKING ABOUT YOU DISTRUST OF THE MEDIA, IS THIS NEW FOR YOU OR HAVE YOU FELT THIS WAY FOR SOMETIME? >> FOR SOMETIME. I THINK SUSAN RAISED A COUPLE OF GREAT POINTS, I WILL CAPTURE ONE ABOUT BLURRING THE LINES. AND ALSO THE GOVERNORS SIMILAR POINT. I THINK THE ISSUE, IS THAT PEOPLE ARE TAKING THE TALKING HEADS AND THE PUNDITS VERY LITERALLY AS THOUGH THEIR EXPERTS, MANY TIMES THEY'RE NOT. ALTHOUGH DON LEMON AND SEAN HANNITY MAY LOOK LIKE THEIR NEWSPEOPLE THEY'RE NOT. THEIR PUNDITS AND EACH HAS THEIR OWN EXTREME BY. ISLAND IN THE MIDDLE AND LISTEN TO THE MORE OBJECTIVE, BUT THE POINT THIS IS AN AND THE GOVERNOR MADE, ONE OF THE ISSUES GOING BACK TO THE GOVERNOR'S COMMENT ABOUT WHY SO MANY REPUBLICANS FEEL THERE SUCH BIAS IN THE MEDIA IS BECAUSE YOU HAVE FOX NEWS AND EVERYBODY ELSE. IT IS SO OVERWHELMING, LIBERAL VERSUS CONSERVATIVE, THE PEOPLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE, IF YOU WILL, FEEL THAT WAY. AND ONLY RECENTLY, TWO NETWORKS ARE UP AND RUNNING. BUT THEY'RE JUST COMING OUT OF THAT HIGH SCHOOL THEATRICAL KIND OF LOOK, THEY'RE NOT AS PROFESSIONALS FOX NEWS. IT HAS A WAYS TO GO BEFORE THE OVERWHELMING FEELING IS OVERCOME BY REPUBLICANS OR CONSERVATIVES TO LISTEN TO THE NEW. >> GOVERNOR YOU ARE IN OFFICE WHEN HB TO BRETT LGBTQ WRITES TO THE FOREFRONT, HOW DID THE MEDIA TREAT YOU THEN? >> VERY POORLY. FIRST OF ALL, MOST OF THE MEDIA NEVER READ THE BILL. THERE WAS ONLY FIVE PAGES, I COULD TELL BY THE INTERVIEWS AND NO ONE EVEN UNDERSTOOD THE BILL AND KNEW THAT HALF OF IT HAD TO DO WITH MINIMUM WAGE AND CITY ABILITY TO MAKE LAWS OUTSIDE OF THE STATE. THAT IS REALLY WHAT THE BILL WAS ABOUT, BUT THEY FOCUSED ON THE ORIENTATION ASPECT OF IT, WHICH BRINGS MORE VIEWERS. AND THAT WAS VERY DISCOURAGING TO ME. PLUS, I SPENT MAYBE .2% OF MY TIME ON THAT DURING MY FOUR YEARS AS GOVERNOR, AS OPPOSED TO THE MORE COMPLEX ISSUE OF DOING THE BUDGET, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH HEALTHCARE OVERRUNS, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH TRANSPORTATION ISSUES? THE MEDIA WAS NOT INTERESTED IN THOSE ISSUES AT THE LOCAL, STATE, OR NATIONAL LEVEL. THEY WERE INTERESTED IN THE ISSUES THAT BROUGHT MORE CLICKS AND MORE VIEWERS. AND THAT WAS VERY DISCOURAGING, BECAUSE 99.9% OF MY TIME WAS NOT SPENT ON THE ISSUES OF THE MEDIA COVERED. I SPENT A LOT OF STUDY TIME ON VERY COMPLEX ISSUES THAT MAYORS AND GOVERNORS AND THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH HAS TO DEAL WITH. FRANKLY, THE MEDIA IS NOT INTERESTED BECAUSE IT IS BORING. THAT'S A REAL PROBLEM WITH THE MEDIA RIGHT NOW. BUT THAT IS THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THE MEDIA. THEY WANT CLICKS NOW. >> I WANT TO BRING THE SUSAN KING BACK INTO THE CONVERSATION NOW, YOU ARE THE HEAD OF A VERY RESPECTED JOURNALISM SCHOOL. PEOPLE RESPECT YOU, HOW DO YOU TEACH STUDENTS SO THEY CAN BE TRUSTED JOURNALISTS? IS IT HARD TO PUT THEIR BIAS ASIDE? >> I AM GOING TO SAY, PARTICULARLY BECAUSE OF WHERE THEY SEE, YES I THINK IT IS. I WILL PUT IT A DIFFERENT WAY. I DEFINITELY THINK SOME EVENING SHOWS ARE PLAYING TO THE BASE, AS YOU SAY. SEAN HANNITY, DON LEMON, THEY HAVE THE BASE. BUT I DON'T THINK RAL IS, I THINK THEIR PLANE TO THEIR COMMUNITY AND REALLY GREAT JOURNALISM ORGANIZATIONS, WHO IS THE AUDIENCE AND HOW CAN WE SERVE THEM AND WHERE TRYING TO DEVELOP JOURNALISTS WHO WILL REALLY SERVE THEIR COMMUNITY. I THINK THIS YOUNG GENERATION IS ALSO MUCH MORE AWARE OF THEIR IDENTITY, THERE IS SO MUCH THEY GROW UP WITH, FACEBOOK, THEY HAVE STUFF HANGING OUT FROM THE TIME THEY ARE 14. INSTAGRAM ETC. WE ARE TRYING TO TEACH THEM THAT IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE A REPORTER, YOU DON'T ERASE -- I WAS THE FIRST WOMAN IN EVERY NEWSROOM I WAS IN. I WASN'T GOING TO BE THE WOMAN REPORTER, BUT I WAS BRINGING MY PERSPECTIVE. I SEE STORIES THAT THE GUYS DID NOT SEE. BELIEVED I COULD FIND WHEN I CAN INTERVIEW. BUT I WAS THERE TO TELL YOU WHAT I LEARNED, NOT WHAT I THOUGHT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW. IF I WAS AN OPINION PERSON I WOULD PROBABLY BE MAKING MORE MONEY LIKE SEAN HANNITY, BUT THAT WAS NOT MY JOB. SO WE'RE TRYING TO DEVELOP TO MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FACT AND OPINION, AND THEY UNDERSTAND THE ROLE, BUT NOT TO A RACE WHETHER THEY'RE BLACK OR HISPANIC OR . LGBTQ, OR WOMAN. BUT TO UNDERSTAND THAT THEY PUT ON THAT JACKET, THAT WHITE COAT OF OBJECTIVITY, TO TELL THE PUBLIC WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT THE ARGUMENTS ARE. NOT WHAT TO THINK. >> ONE ADDITIONAL THING, THE PROTESTERS, AM SO GLAD THERE IS FOLLOW-UP ON WHO THE HECK THESE PROTESTERS ARE IN DC. AND WHO THEY ARE AND WHERE THEY COME FROM. THAT'S GOOD. BUT EVERY DAY WHEN I WAS GOVERNOR, THERE WERE FIVE OR SIX PROTESTERS AND THEY WOULD COME RIGHT AT THE TIME OF THE 6:00 NEWS, THE MINUTE THE CAMERAS LEFT, THEY LEFT. BUT THEY GOT THIS TV TIME AND NO ONE EVER KNEW WHO WAS COORDINATING THOSE PROTESTERS. AND THAT IS PART OF THE NEW STORY THAT IS BEING LEFT OUT AT THE LOCAL AND STATE LEVEL, IS WHO ARE THE PROTESTERS? WHO IS PAYING FOR THEM? TRANSPORTATION, COORDINATION, THE SIGNS? BECAUSE THERE'S USUALLY A POLITICAL AGENDA BEHIND EVERY PROTESTING GROUP LIBERAL AND CONSERVATIVE. AND THE POLITICIANS KNOW WHO THEY ARE, I THINK THE MEDIA DOES TOO, BUT THE MEDIA NEEDS TO CONVEY THAT MORE TO THE AUDIENCE. WITH A COVER EITHER LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL PROTEST. I'M FINALLY GLAD TO SUSAN PROTESTERS CALLED OUT. IN AMERICA, WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE THAT MAKE PRETTY RADICAL COMMENTS OR DESTROY PROPERTY? >> AS DEAN KING SAID, THIS WEEK, MARKING 28 YEARS HERE AT WRAL, GOT INTO THIS BECAUSE I WANT TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND ANSWER COMMUNITY QUESTIONS TO ASK DEEP, PROBING QUESTIONS TO GET TO THE HEART OF THE ISSUE. I HOPE WE CAN. AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN, GO THROUGH ALL, I WOULD LIKE TO, AS WE WRAP UP, ASK A QUESTION OF ALL OF YOU. WHAT CAN THE MEDIA DO TO EARN BACK TRUST? GOVERNOR, YOU FIRST. >> I THINK THE FIRST THING THEY NEED TO DO IS GIVE A BROAD PERSPECTIVE OF COMPLEX ISSUES. AND NOT MAKE IT BLACK AND WHITE ISSUES, BECAUSE MOST COMPLEX ISSUES HAVE FIVE OR SIX SIDES TO THEM, NOT JUST TWO SIDES TO THEM. AND THE NEED TO FOCUS ON LONG- TERM ISSUES. THAN SHORT-TERM 24 HOURS NEW CYCLE ISSUES. >> STEPHEN, WHAT DO YOU THINK? >> I WOULD HINGE ON A POINT THAT SUSAN RAISED, I HAVE A 16- YEAR-OLD AND A 20-YEAR-OLD. I THINK THEIR GENERATION AND THE TWO BEFORE THEM IS BECOME SUCH AN INSATIABLE APPETITE, AND APPETITE THAT HE SATISFACTION RIGHT NOW. I THINK THAT IS TRANSLATING INTO A LOT OF THE YOUNG JOURNALISTS THAT WE SEE OUT THERE. THE 20 SOMETHINGS AND 30 SOMETHINGS ARE NOT TAKING THE TIME TO DIG IN AND DELVE INTO THE STORY OBJECTIVELY, AND FIND THE FACTS AND REPORT JUST THE FACTS. VISIT BACK IN THE DAY, JUST THE FACTS, MAN. >>> DANA KANG? >> EVERY DAY THEY GO OUT AND TRY TO TELL THE TRUTH IF THEY'RE ABLE TO FIND IT? WE HAVE A MOMENT IN THIS COUNTRY WERE DIVIDED. I HOPE WE ARE NOT HEADED FOR CIVIL WAR, IT IS BEEN A PRETTY TOUGH WEEK, LET'S FACE IT. IF YOU CAN BRING THE DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW, THE DIFFERENT PLAYERS TOGETHER AND TRY NOT TO HAVE PEOPLE SHOUTING AT EACH OTHER BUT TO AS JOURNALISTS, TELEVISION, RADIO, NEWSPAPERS, BRING DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW SO WE CAN UNDERSTAND IT BETTER. HOPEFULLY WE WILL WIN BACK THE TRUST. TODAY BUT A PROCESS. >> I HOPE YOU'RE RIGHT, I AGREE. THINK TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND INSIGHT INTO THIS VERY IMPORTANT DISCUSSION. >> THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO DO IT. >> ABSOLUTELY. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH THAT WAS GREAT. >> THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. WHEN "ON THE RECORD" CONTINUES, BREAK. >> AS WE HEARD AT THE TOP OF THE DISCUSSION, JOE FISHER REPORTED ON WHY THE MEDIA IS LOSING TRUST. HE JOINS US NOW TO TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS IS REPORTERS GO ABOUT DOING THEIR JOBS. JOE, LET'S START WITH HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A REPORTER? WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO ENTER THIS FIELD? >> GOING ON EIGHT OR NINE YEARS AT THIS POINT, THIS IS MY FOURTH THIRD TV STATION. I WORKED AT A NEWSPAPER OUT OF COLLEGE, THREE TV STATIONS, RADEAS LABS -- I'VE BEEN HERE FOR 2 1/2 YEARS AGO. I WAS LIKE TALKING TO PEOPLE AND TELLING PEOPLE THINGS THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW OR THINGS THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE MISSED AND ONCE THEY STARTED STUDYING JOURNALISM AT THE COLLEGE AND ACTUALLY STARTED PRACTICING THE CRAFT IN DOING THIS EVERY DAY, IT KIND OF JUST BECAME AN ADDICTING KIND OF SENSE OF TELLING PEOPLE THINGS EVERY SINGLE DAY THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW AND GIVING PEOPLE A VOICE. AND JUST BEING THAT ADVOCATE. I KNOW DEAN KING WAS MENTIONING SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY. MOST OF THE JOURNALISM, MOST OF THE JOURNALISTS I'VE WORKED WITH, GOT INTO THIS BUSINESS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND JUST TO BE THAT ADVOCATE FOR PEOPLE THEY SERVE. >> IT IS QUITE AN HONOR. WHAT STEPS YOU TAKE TO PUT YOUR STORIES TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU'RE BEING FAIR? >> EVERY DAY STARTS WITH EDITORIAL MEETINGS, AND WE STARTED WITH WHAT OUR STORIES ARE FOR THE DAY, WHAT IS OUT THERE, WHAT WE ARE GOING TO COVER. REPORTERS ARE TALKING TO PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY, PITCHING STORIES, TRYING TO GET THINGS ON THEIR. AS FAR AS BEING FAIR, GOES THROUGH A PROCESS THAT WE HAVE EVERY MORNING, WHICH IS A CALL WITH 20 TO 30 PEOPLE GIVING THEIR OPINIONS ABOUT STORIES, WHAT VOICES SHOULD BE INCLUDED, WHO DO WE WANT TO INTERVIEW, HOW CAN WE MAKE SURE THAT WE GET BOTH SIDES? AND IF THE OTHER SIDE IS NOT TALKING, HOW CAN WE GET A STATEMENT? THE GOVERNOR PROBABLY CAN TELL YOU ABOUT REACHING OUT FOR A STATEMENT IF THEY DON'T WANT TO SAY SOMETHING OR IF THEY DON'T WANT TO ADD ANYTHING TO THE STORY THAT WE WILL AT LEAST TRY TO GET BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY EVERY SINGLE DAY. EVERY SINGLE TIME. >> YOU AND I WERE TOGETHER ON THE AIR FOR MANY, MANY HOURS IN MAY DURING THE BLACK LIVES MATTER PROTESTS. MANY PEOPLE SHARED WITH YOU, DID YOU GET ANY PUSHBACK? >> OH TONS OF PUSHBACK. THE BLACK LIVES MATTER RALLIES AND PROTESTS OVER THE SUMMER, ESPECIALLY THE ONES WHERE WE HAD PEOPLE BREAKING THE LAW, WHETHER THEY WERE BLOCKING THE ROAD OR WHETHER THEY WERE THROWING FIREWORKS AT STATE TROOPERS, YEAH, THEY DID NOT WANT TO BE ON CAMERAS. THEY PUT WATER BOTTLES IN OUR FACES, UMBRELLAS IN FRONT OF OUR CAMERAS. WE HAD TO USE TRIPODS JUST BLOCKS THEM FROM US BECAUSE THEY DID NOT WANT TO BE SEEN. I THINK THAT IS NOT ONLY BECAUSE THEY WERE BREAKING THE LAW IN MANY CASES, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO SOCIAL MOVEMENTS, LIKE THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT , DOES NOT MATTER WHAT SIDE OF THE AISLE YOU'RE ON. >> JOE WE COULD GO FOR HOURS, I'M SORRY WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME. JOE FISHER, THANK YOU. JOIN THE CONVERSATION. >> WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER, EMAIL US YOUR COMMENTS, OR WRITE A LETTER ON THE RECORD PO BOX 12,000, RALEIGH, 27605.

More here:

On the Record, Jan. 16, 2021: Media and fake news - WRAL.com

Rob Lowe just made headlines for claiming he saw Prince Harry with a ponytail!

Extras Billy Bush caught up with Lowe, who explained why he thought Harry had a new do.

The actor, who lives near Prince Harry in Montecito, said, I get excited when celebrities and famous people move into my neighborhood I was at the stoplight and I saw a very blacked out look-at-me-dont-look-at-me, that kind of car and I looked and it was for sure him. I think it was a ponytail. I could be wrong. Im not going stake my journalistic reputation on it.

He continued, This is the same guy that said Peyton Manning was retiring and he only went on to win one more Super Bowl after that. I may be the guy who invented fake news.

Rob is breaking all sorts of news with his star-packed podcast Literally. He just got Lisa Kudrow to dish on the Friends reunion, telling him they already shot some stuff for the highly anticipated HBO Max show. This week is Lisa Kudrow, and I got her to tell me about some secret stuff that she shot for the Friends reunion.

Billy told him, Pass that on, pass that on. Give us a taste. Smiling, Rob replied, Listen, Billy Bush Youre not the only people getting scoop today.

His show, 9-1-1: Lone Star is back for Season 2. Billy pointed out, Were coming in with a massive explosion. There is a death. What is happening in this premiere? Rob answered, This year is actually really funny because of Lisa Edelstein, who was my characters girlfriend on The West Wing.

Billy commented, Reunited and feels so good. Rob agreed, It feels very good and it feels very funny, but in the next scene you could have someone fall into a lava pit Its really a big year, really fun. Really fun.

Billy complimented the 56-year-old, saying, Rob, youve managed to stay in good shape. I dont see the COVID 15 on you.

Rob told him, Oh, its here, if you dont think Ive framed this But in all seriousness, its why Im working for the Atkins people, because everybody I talk to is like, What do I do with this COVID weight?"

Billy asked about "The Atkins 100 Eating Solution" book, and Rob answered, "The book that I wrote the foreword on is great if you have these kinds of questions.

Go here to see the original:

Rob Lowe on Whether That Prince Harry Ponytail Story Was 'Fake News' - Extra

A viral Facebook post claiming the NAACP received information that white supremacists and neo-Nazis were planning violent attacks on Black and Brown boys and men is fake news, according to the organization.

The post received traction online and was being spread throughout messaging apps and on other social media platforms.

The post stated that the NAACP received a warning stating that white supremacist and white nationalists are looking for young black and brown boys and men to torture and kill for their initiations.

But the organization has rejected the claims.

In a statement on its website, NAACP said, while we take all matters of racial discrimination and racial hatred seriously, these statements are not from the NAACP.

These social media posts and press releases appear to be associated with a Huey P. Newton group, which has no affiliation to the NAACP.

The Huey P. Newton group has not yet addressed the claims.

The organizations Vice President of Marketing, Trovon Williams said the false information is being used to bring about fear and division in the community.

These remain divisive times and mechanisms like this remain as opportunities to bring about fear within our community. The NAACPs position is very clear: we will not be divided and we will not be fearful. Stay home and stay safe, he said in a video posted to Twitter.

This is not the first time that the NAACP has been at the center of fake threats. In July, a similar rumor was posted on social media.

Read more:

NAACP says Viral Warnings About Threats of Violence is "Fake News" - caribbeannationalweekly.com