Regardless of political affiliation, the lines between real news and misinformation have grown beyond blurred and are now almost indetectable. The plethora of online platforms has created a reality in which anyone can distribute “legitimate” content.
Of course, this makes it more challenging to distinguish truth from fabrication or political spin. That leaves every reasonable person with a need to parse genuine from fake more than ever. This begs the question, “How are we supposed to navigate this complex environment?”
Fake news isn’t a new phenomenon, but the speed and scale at which it is able to spread has become mindboggling. Social media, blogs, and even some mainstream platforms can circulate stories that are invented or distorted, with no organization more guilty than the next.
The politicized news may be “technically” factual, but is presented with a bias designed to promote an agenda, which muddles the view. By now, we have all seen how these forms of misinformation can shape or solidify opinions, attempt to sway elections, and erode public trust.
I believe it’s problematic to be able to discern anyone’s affiliations based on their work or the stories they deliver. If you’re old enough to remember Walter Cronkite, Johnny Carson, or any of the classic Hollywood actors, we never knew their subjective opinions.
In fact, Cronkite was a moderate liberal but was viewed as a neutral and trusted journalist for 31 years. Carson’s views are hard to categorize. He held beliefs that, by today’s standards, would suggest he was right in the middle, but again, he never mentioned or discussed them on The Tonight Show during his 30 years as host.
Several factors contribute to our vulnerability to all the fake and politicized news:
- Information Overload: The sheer volume of information that makes it to our eyes and ears makes it difficult to determine what is credible and what is not.
- Confirmation Bias: We are all prone to lean toward whatever confirms our existing belief structure.
- Emotional Manipulation: We are all much more likely to share the hyper-emotionally charged stories that grab our attention, regardless of their truth. Let’s face it – sometimes we even share stories knowing that they are probably not true.
- Visual Deception: Enter professional-looking websites, AI or personally generated or doctored images that make false stories appear credible. This can be the most difficult to parse as real or fake.
Given all these challenges, what steps can we take to distinguish between real and fake? Here are some potential strategies I recommend:
Evaluate the Source:
Before accepting anything as “truth,” check the credibility of its source. Established news organizations do have reputations to protect and usually (not always) adhere to journalistic standards, such as fact-checking and editorial oversight.
We should all be leery of unfamiliar sites and those we have heard are infamous for spreading misinformation. An “About Us” page may allow you to check the publisher’s track record and consider the nature of what is written on that page. Try to determine their overall goal. Barrett Media, for example, does an excellent job with its content and works hard at being a trusted resource.
Check for Supporting Evidence:
Real news should always be supported by verifiable facts, data, and quotes from credible sources. Does what you are reading or listening to make bold claims without providing evidence? Or does it only cite anonymous sources? If so, you may be a victim of manipulation. Check other sources for validation from other reputable outlets. If it’s a significant story, you should see others reporting it, as well.
Is it News or Opinion?
Too many modern-day “journalists” blur the line purposely in an attempt to deceive and manipulate. True news presents facts impartially, while opinion pieces are designed to persuade or interpret.
The problem with mainstream media is that it often presents more opinion shows than newscasts. All networks and cable outlets are equally guilty of this. They play toward their respective audiences with that goal in mind. The best we can do is use caution when reading, listening, or viewing commentary.
Check Headlines Carefully:
The term “clickbait” was coined by Jay Geiger in a blog post back in 2006. According to Google, it combines “click,” referring to a mouse click, and “bait,” suggesting an enticing lure for online users. The term gained wider recognition and eventually entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016.
These types of headlines and sensational images are true hallmarks of fake or politicized news. They tend to exaggerate and misrepresent the article’s content. Images are often taken out of context or digitally altered. Always read beyond the headline and reverse-search images if something seems questionable. Google makes it very easy to do that.
Analyze the Tone:
Fake news is very often emotionally charged, inflammatory, or uses absolute language.
Legitimate journalism should employ measured and precise wording, avoiding overly dramatic phrasing. If it feels like it is trying to provoke anger or fear, proceed with caution. Even politicians themselves, on both sides of the aisle, have become very proficient at this.
Be Aware of Your Own Bias:
Self-awareness is key. Recognize that we all have biases. I try to do this purposefully to challenge my own points of view and find information from a diverse range of resources. This can be a huge challenge for many from all sides of the spectrum. I am also a fan of fact-checking.
There are several reputable organizations, including Snopes, FactCheck.org, and Reuters Fact Check. Sometimes, the more viral a story has become, the greater the risk of it being false.
The ability for us to parse content is becoming a skill. Sadly, schools, workplaces, and communities don’t always play the important roles they should in fostering independent critical thinking.
By prioritizing education in evaluating sources, understanding context, and recognizing manipulation, hopefully, we can spend time and resources on a more truthful reality and future for all.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Stay updated by signing up for our newsletters to receive the latest information directly in your inbox.
Bob Lawrence writes weekly columns on radio leadership and business. He most recently served as market manager for MacDonald Broadcasting in Saginaw, Michigan. Throughout his career, Bob has held virtually every position in the business over his 40+ year career, from being on-air in Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Francisco to programming legendary stations including KHTR St. Louis, KITS Hot Hits and KIOI (K101) San Francisco to serving as the head of all programming for Saga Communications and working for the Radio Advertising Bureau. Before landing his current role, Bob helped lead Seven Mountains Media’s cluster in Parkersburg, WV/Marietta, OH. He can be reached by email at BGLawrence@me.com.
Bob also honed his research skills over ten years as Senior VP of Operations at Broadcast Architecture, eventually launching his own research company and serving as President/CEO of Pinnacle Media Worldwide for 15 years. Bob spent five years as VP of Programming for Saga Communications before joining New South Radio in Jackson, Mississippi as GM/Market Manager. Prior to joining Seven Mountains Media, Bob served as General Manager for the Radio Advertising Bureau, overseeing its “National Radio Talent System”.
