Call for an end to fake local newspapers

ALL AREAS: An organisation representing publishers across the country is today (Thursday) launching an industry-wide campaign against political propaganda leaflets designed to look like independent local newspapers.

The News Media Association (NMA), which represents the interests of the national and local media, including the Advertiser, has launched the Don’t Be Duped campaign after more examples of the leaflets have started to pop up across the country in recent months.

NMA chairman Henry Faure Walker said: “As you read this, political propaganda leaflets designed to look and feel exactly like independent local newspapers are being pushed through letterboxes across the country.

“During the 2019 general election, the News Media Association railed against these publications after examples published by Labour, Conservatives and the Lib Dems emerged.

“The Electoral

Commission criticised the practice, citing it as an example of misleading campaigning techniques which the public were concerned about.

“We thought we’d seen the back of them but, sadly, in recent months fake local newspapers published by the Lib Dems have started popping up again.

“Make no mistake, these publications are designed to fool you into thinking you are reading independent journalism.

“In fact, they are the exact opposite – party political propaganda sheets masquerading as real newspapers. It has been reported that some of the leaflets are not marked as being produced by the Lib Dems.

“We think this cynical attempt to mislead you is wrong. It undermines trust in both politicians and independent local newspapers.”

The NMA has written to Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Lib Dems, and the Electoral Commission to explain its concerns and call for an end to fake local newspapers.