This blogpost is a lot longer than my previous ones. It is also more controversial. 'Fake News' is a term that can trigger emotional responses that can shut down conversation. Instead, I intend this post to be a guide to help evaluate the news you consume. This would be on all sides of the political spectrum as well as different media types. The point is to help determine the level of truthfulness of any story.
Full disclosure I tend to lean towards the conservative side of things. I hate being lied to, spun narratives, and told what to think. I learned my fake news spotting skills from the late, great Rush Limbaugh. He pointed out that whenever the Drive By Media -- aka the mainstream media (ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, FNC...etc) wanted to push a narrative they always used the same words and phrases. Once you see it you can never unsee it. That began my journey.
To maintain impartiality, I will not be citing specific news stories stating "this is fake news" or "that is true news". Instead, I will keep it generic and give examples of techniques that are used presenting the news. Look for:
In addition, I will provide some suggestions on how to become a better news consumer and a checklist of questions to apply to a story. Yeah, I know it sounds like a lot of work. Questioning. Probing. Checking. Just be advised we live in interesting times (an ancient Chinese curse). The news you consume can determine how you choose to live your life. It can sometimes be a life-or-death choice. Choose wisely.
UPDATE AUGUST 2024
With all the news coming out of the current White House and the Campaign Trail there is a veritable smorgasbord of stories to apply these techniques against. IMHO anyone who exclusively consumes the "Main Stream Media" is in great danger of being gaslit, propagandized and at the very least lied to. You can do better.
Who is Reporting the News?
Legacy Network News
There was a time when this was the most dominant method of delivering news via mass media. Evening news meant to coincide with the dinner hour of most people was a staple of the dinner table as much as meat loaf and mashed potatoes were.
Each network had their 'trusted' news anchors. Stories were encapsulated into short segments meant to fit in with the commercial time slots. News like other shows were funded by advertiser revenue from those commercials. For the longest time Legacy News was generally seen as a ratings loser. Meaning, it didn't bring much money into the network. In some cases, news shows lost money for the network.
While the original intent of Legacy Network News was noble, eventually advertising money became the prime motivation into how the news was presented and even the stories that were covered.
Generally speaking, if the major news networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) doesn't cover a story, it doesn't exist. If you wanted a deeper dive on certain topics you would need to seek it out in newspapers, local news broadcasts or radio. Also generally speaking if all three network anchors reported a story, chances are they would all have the same 'take' or point of view on a story.
Cable Network News
Once cable networks began to become more widespread and accessible, the subscription model for programming became more common. People paid for their news through their cable fees. Whole channels became dedicated to news shows and reporting. Programming options expanded as news went to a 24-hour cycle.
With so much 'airtime' to fill it was inevitable that news programing would change. Now stories are repeated ad nauseum every hour on the hour. In addition, when little is known about a story when it first breaks, hosts are encouraged to speculate, opinionate and annotate the stories with their biases.
Once people had to pay for their news it was logical that networks would spring up to attract certain demographics (Old, Young, Conservative, Liberal). As news networks began to silo into different viewpoints it became harder to determine what was true. News channels became advocates for certain opinions and only those opinions.
With cable losing viewership to streaming services as more and more people "cut the cord", it is not surprising that news programs have become even more fragmented by viewpoint and demographics.
Web/Internet News Organizations
In order to keep up with the technology, many of the legacy news outlets have branched into news-based websites that provide another access point for their content. In many cases they are just extensions of their print divisions. In others they offer video and audio streaming to mirror their cable or on-air broadcasts.
Some have free or trial access, while many are behind paywalls requiring a subscription. This delivery system changes the way consumers can access the news. Now video and audio and text are available on demand. The shift away from cable to computer or mobile news access via apps on a smartphone has been substantial. Instead of a common 'news hour' across all networks at a fixed time, consumers can pick what they want to view at any time for any length.
While on the surface this appears to be a consumer driven advantage, in reality it adds to the siloing of viewpoints into different camps. The end result is that people can wind up in a bubble of news that confirms their personal news biases.
Independent News Groups/Individuals/Pod Casters
The low cost of entry into the internet news space has at the same time opened up large numbers of alternate news sources. This can be called the democratization of the news media.
No more are news sources tied to corporate conglomerates requiring sponsors. All it takes is some rudimentary computer equipment and an internet connection to broadcast your views or your news. To be fair what this does is propagate more opinion sites by people we agree with or subject matter experts.
There are few news sites that actually go out and find news to report on, but they are growing. However, many internet news reporters are veterans of the corporate news business and have left to strike off on their own, taking their followers with them. In a sense this reflects a democratization of the news as online reporters can only maintain their audience if they are honest brokers of information.
Podcasts are a new phenomenon in the news space. It is reminiscent of the old single subject hour long form news programs which provided in depth discussions of topics, before the move to sound bites and quick hits. Podcasts are more subject matter and personality driven then regular news. Again, the subscription and sponsor models are both active in the podcast space.
Many podcasts have multiple simultaneous hosts as well as guests to explore topics. Podcast hosts can have elaborate sets and graphics or just be one person talking into their phone or tablet. Content is king in the podcast space with hosts ability to keep a following.
Podcasts are hosted on websites, social media platforms, or commercial websites. They are available as video on demand or in some cases live streamed so that consumers can interact with the hosts through a chat channel.
Social Media News Sources
A large percentage of media consumers have indicated they get most of their news off the social media platforms they are members of. Most social media is free and gives you access to follow news talkers, news makers, reporters and everyone else. Social media has graduated from a forum of friends and acquaintances to the world.
It is a forum of interests and points of view that are in opposition to each other. The siloing effect of other platforms is not as prevalent as EVERYONE is in the social media pool. This is what is most interesting about social media as a news source. You will be subject to viewing all kinds of news and opinions about any story. Of course, the ability to discern what is true, semi-true or absolutely false requires the ability to identify the kernels of truth within any story or the steaming pile of poo they are trying to peddle.
Siloing does happen in the social media news space as each individual can select who they wish to follow or who they wish to mute. But the whole universe of opinion and facts are more available in this space than the others already mentioned.
How is the News Being Reported?
The "How" of a story being reported can shade the perception of the story.
Text Based News aka "All the news that fits"
Text, whether in Print, Web or Phone can be very compelling. Unless you follow specific news authors generally the context of the story is all you get. At least with video-based stories you get a news reader delivering the story. However, the news reader does not always edit the text they are reading. That is the editor's job.
Be skeptical of text-based news until verified by additional sources.
News Reader aka Talking Head
One talking head generally at a desk with a sheaf of papers in their hand that they never seem to reference, staring directly into the camera reading the news from a teleprompter. All the news is scripted for content and also edited for time. This is a vestige of the Legacy news and how Network and Local news reporters deliver the news.
Interspersed with the reading could be video clips of the event they are reporting sometimes with voice over comments from the reporter or a "toss" to a reporter at the scene. Again, the entire operation is scripted for content and time.
Many solo podcasters have opted for this technique, although their shows tend to be less scripted with few or no guests for comment. They select and read news from public sources and provide their own commentary and opinion. The content tends to be more "personality" driven where viewers tune in for their specific opinion or "spin."
News Reader with a Panel of Commentators
Similar to the talking head, except you have a number of other talking heads to provide commentary on the story, meaning opinion. Once the initial story, including video elements, is presented the "Host" opens the discussion with a statement or question.
Commentators can be in studio or remote, on the same side of the issue or on opposite sides of the issue. It is the host's job to keep the segment flowing and within time constraints. During heated debates the Host can often lose control of the conversation with panelists talking over each other or filibustering their point or just insulting each other.
It can be easy to spot the host's bias by the following:
who do they give more time to
how they react to a commentator that disagrees with their point
talking over or cutting off a commentator
Ideally, these types of News shows mix scripted stories with less scripted commentary attempting to show "both sides."
News Forum of Fixed Commentators
This is reminiscent of the old weekly network news shows. Each week the forum gathers to discuss the news of the week and provide context or narrative to the stories. An overall host guides the discussions soliciting comments from the panel. Members are generally credentialed journalists or other professionals hired for their television presence. Guests are rare in this format because they insert uncertainty into the group dynamic.
This type of format is making its way into the podcast space. Multi-host podcasters, either live or remote are generally linked by common interests and collaborate to create the podcast. This is more of a creator's space than a commentator's space because all hosts are judged on the quality of the content, not just personality or credentials.
Investigative News/Live Feed
This was once the sole domain of the network/corporate media. A single reporter with a cameraman or crew go to the source of a story or an event. Chasing down stories such as this can involve "ambush reporting", hidden camera investigations or infiltration into organizations suspected of corruption.
Mainstream media rarely does this kind of reporting anymore. Whether cost or threat of litigation or sympathetic tendencies, investigative reporting by mainstream outlets is a thing of the past.
This has become the staple of certain online media groups. Generally working on a subscription model, you need to pay to see it. Although blockbuster hidden camera and investigative news have been known to break through to other media forms.
Loooooonnnnnggggg Form Interviews
This has become the staple of the podcast space. No longer limited by television timing, podcasters produce live streams or on demand video content with the Host and interview subject(s). Again, content is king. It is up to the Host to maintain the interest of their audience and the person(s) being interviewed.
Interviews can span hours. In fact, one of the most popular podcasts averages about 3 hours per episode. Each episode can encompass one or more guests with the host balancing content and keeping everything moving. In this era of 15 second sound bites it is hard to imagine keeping somebody's attention for 3 hours! But they can.
What Reporting Techniques are being used?
Depending on the news source and the method used to report it this can determine the reporting technique used. News is no longer just neutral information passed on to you the consumer. The HOW of news reporting points to what story elements are emphasized and what emotions should be invoked while consuming a story.
Understand, news is a product. How do you want your news? Do you want it straight? Funny? Calm and soothing or stress filled and fearful? Each technique listed below tweaks the news in a certain way. Also, the techniques progress from likely true to outright bullshit.
The Facts - Just the Facts Ma'm
Straight news reporting for a straight news consumer. Just the facts--Who, What, When-- the three foundations of journalism. While it is harder to play games with the facts, it is not impossible.
Leaving out context. Incorrect event sequence. Made up quotes by anonymous sources all contribute to the truthfulness of a story. I would also add the news teller to the list. Organizations reporting news vs Individuals reporting news can be a red flag. Certain organizations can be influenced by sponsors or state actors, while individuals running solo are looking to build a reputation and a following.
The Spin - You Spin Me Right Round Baby
This technique is similar to The Facts but with an added layer of opinion to "spin" the story in certain direction. The facts can lead the consumer to think or feel a certain way, but the spin cycle is used for manipulation.
Spin originally came about as a result of political debates. Each side has its own advocates in what was ironically called a "spin room." There each side spun the facts telling why their candidate won the debate or gave plausible excuses as to why they didn't. While the debate itself should present ample facts to support the consumer in making their own decision, spin attempts to change that decision
The Narrative - Let Me Tell You a Story, Not the Story
When spin calcifies over time with a set of similar stories it becomes a "Narrative." Narratives are paired with news regarding people or places or events. Whenever those people, places or events are mentioned in other contexts, you will always hear the narrative.
The purpose of the narrative is to present the news regarding the subject the same way. When the news consumer hears about a subject paired with a narrative there is no thinking involved. Obviously, the media needs to repeat the narrative many times, so it is 'sticky'.
No deviation from the narrative is allowed by the news media, even when new facts are presented contrary to the narrative. The media has a tendency to protect their narratives until such a time where they can craft a new one. Narratives are mental shortcuts so minimal high level thinking is involved. If you see a narrative always paired with a story, suspect it and avoid it.
The False Premise - Everything After is Just False
A variation of the narrative is the False Premise. Generally, these are developed over time and are used to set the stage for additional false reporting. Because news happens every day it is easy to miss when the False Premise is first created and related to a story.
When the media starts with a premise that you know is false, don't believe anything else in the story even if it sounds good and aligns with your beliefs. The false premise technique is the media's way of promoting a story that they hope you won't check.
Begin to notice what news sources are peddling False Premises and purge them from your viewing. They are trying to influence and manipulate you.
The Bold Assertion - Headline Surfing and the Hunt for Clicks
Ever get tricked into clicking a provocative headline on a webpage? Many people do. While the headline pulled you in to read the story, most readers won't get the complete story since they rarely scroll to the end. In a lot of cases the last paragraph will refute the Bold Assertion or at least minimize it.
Congratulations you have been click harvested. This ensures that more of the same misleading headlines and stories will make their way to your browser. Avoid them if you want to keep your sanity. Gaslighting is a real thing.
I Can Read Minds - No You Can't
Beware of stories that claim some inside psychological insight into a news subjects' persona. They are pure conjecture and sensationalism based on the theory they can read the subjects' mind. No, they can't. The claims are couched in quasi scientific studies which report people like this think like that. Then the news builds on that belief to craft even more outrageous stories.
Are you beginning to notice that the further we progress with these techniques the more unhinged from reality we are getting. Oh it gets worse.
I Heard It From a Friend - My Sources are Anonymous
Anonymous sources to a news story are the surest indication of fabrication and lies. Whole story arcs and narratives have been based on "anonymous sources." How convenient there is nobody to fact check or even interview regarding a story. Reporting like this can run the gamut of pleasant sounding straight news or outrageous claims.
Any story based on anonymous sources is most likely fiction based on projection and the mind of the reporter. Don't trust it. In fact, laugh at it.
Trust the Science - Not Your Own Knowledge
This is also known as the "Expert Syndrome", meaning we are supposed to ignore personal knowledge and believe 'the science' or the expert presenting the information. This technique can be harder to discern the truth because few people have the expertise to refute it. What we can refute is:
has this expert had a different opinion in the past
has this expert promoted similar narratives
where does the expert get their funding?
a related company that benefits from the narrative?
the government??
is the expert in agreement with similar experts regarding the narrative or are we supposed to pick sides?
Science is supposed to be objective not absolute. How does the expert act?
There is enormous social pressure to do what the experts say. But there comes a point where the narrative clashes with reality and we are left with no answer. Don't trust the science. Trust your bullshit detector.
Misinformation, Disinformation and Lies.
This is mostly the realm of the government and their sympathetic news allies. Any narrative that deviates from the approved story almost immediately gets branded and accused of "Misinformation." It doesn't matter the source of the contrary narrative, the original must be preserved at all costs.
Disinformation is news put out ahead of a potential breaking story to redirect attention away from the breaking news. It can also be an attempt is to reestablish the credibility of the original narrative trying to be preserved.
Then there are lies. The outright falsehoods that either directly or indirectly affect a story to achieve a desired result. The lie can be emphasized with screaming headlines, only to be corrected later on a sub=page or end note.
Surprisingly there is no legal penalty for Misinformation, Disinformation and Lies from a media source. As long as the media source can get away with it, they can simply reframe the story, admit a mistake and count on the short memory of its consumers.
Checklist for Determining Truthfulness
By far the easiest way to determine the truthfulness of a news report is to identify the technique used to report it. Also, the further a news story is from the original source or subject of the story, the more likely it is false. Here are some other ways:
Organizations reporting news vs Individuals reporting news
Follow the money
Who is benefitting
Who is involved (who are the players in the story)
Telling you what to think about a story vs telling you the facts
The 1984 Effect
changing the past or recollection of the past
incorporating fake facts to support the present story
"Believe me now, not what I said in the past!"
in 1984 the Ministry of Truth was tasked with changing past references so the people wouldn't know their history. What happens when all information in the future is digital?
Misinformation and Disinformation and Censorship by the government and its entities.
Gaslighting and Propaganda
The everybody knows 'X factoid' play
They want you to assume that you know 'X' even though you don't
Incorporating old fake stories into new fake stories
Emotional manipulation
What everyone believes vs. the conspiracy theorists
Used to Isolate the dissenters
Hierarchy vs Hypocrisy
believe what I say now.... because I said so.
don't believe what I said earlier .... because I said so.
When news media betray your trust turn them off and block them.
Beware the story "Experts say----"
sources say
anonymous sources
single sourced stories
Stories about celebrities or experts are almost always wrong
Don't just read or listen to the headlines
Look for Lies By Structure
digging into the story may reveal other information or opposite information
common tactic is to refute the point in the headline in the body of the story or in the last paragraph.
Stories that tell us what we want or expect to hear that reinforces our bias
Beware of Sensationalism
if it bleeds it leads
Delegation of observation
you are trusting news readers to be accurate
if you didn't see it, be skeptical
live news feed of an event vs. Clips and comments
Reporting vs. Opinion
Opinions are like a--holes everybody has one
you are responsible for the news you consume
question everything!
What to do Regarding Fake News
Find trusted news providers. Cancel the providers who you find are lying to you. First time! No exceptions.
Contrast a news narrative with a source from the other political side. If both sides are reporting a story the same way or close, it is probably true. If only one side is reporting it, it is probably false. Especially check if it is from your own side!
Approach all online stories with skepticism. In fact, be skeptical of all news stories even the ones that agree with your political bias
Get off the network feeds and seek out independent news providers. They have the most to lose if they are wrong.
Beware of "The Breaking news syndrome." Being first doesn't mean accurate. The "fog of war" almost aways guarantees the first take is wrong. People rarely see the correction
View outrageous news stories as entertainment -- Laugh at it! Find news parody sites and stop taking it so seriously.
If you are sensitive to the news -- turn it off (hard to do). Your emotional health is more important than caring about events that don't involve you.
Here is a provocative thought:
Are baby boomers the last generation to know anything? We have the benefit of more time on the planet and have seen a lot of stuff. Most of us can see the patterns of lies and have pretty good B.S. Detectors. Learn.
In closing if you are interested in getting a list of the new sources I trust, subscribe and send me a request. My intention with this blog post was to educate, not indoctrinate.
Let me leave you with a quote from one of my favorite comics, George Carlin.
TTFN
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