Backing for our fake news battle
POLITICIAN SUPPORTS ‘TRUTHFUL’ SUNDERLAND ECHO’S CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE RISE OF FALSE HEADLINES
A politician has praised the Sunderland Echo for its campaign against the growth of fake news and said we can be relied upon for “truthful, unbiased debate and news”.
Julie Elliott is responding to our ongoing contribution towards the nationwide Fighting Fake News debate.
The campaign, launched as part of the upcoming Local Newspaper Week, aims to reassure the public of the importance of having an independent and trusted press representing their communities.
With the rise of fake news prompted by the internet and the General Election around the corner, the need for reliable news sources is becoming even more important.
She said: “Fake news, the misinterpretation of facts, or even outright false information, has become headline news worldwide in recent months, and it is an issue which causes me great concern.
“With suggestions that untrue news stories were spread widely prior to the US presidential election, there’s a very real fear that fake news can have a significant impact on the political process.
“It is vital, therefore, that people can trust the news they access – both in print and online.
“Good quality, and trustworthy, local journalism matters more now, than ever before.
“Newspapers such as the Echo, which has served the people of Sunderland for more than a century, can be relied on for truthful, unbiased, debate and news – rather than the spread of fake news. Indeed, the Echo is accountable for every single word its publishes – unlike social media and major digital platforms – after signing up to the Editors’ Code of Practice.
“It prides itself as being the ‘conscience of a community’ and an ‘honest broker of local information’ – which is what we need.”
Mrs Elliott, while Sunderland’s Central’s MP, was a member of Parliament’s culture, media and sport select committee before the General Election was called.
The committee launched an inquiry into fake news and it is hoped its work will continue once a new Parliament is formed after June 8.
The Echo will continue to highlight the Fighting Fake News campaign as part of Local Newspaper Week from May 15.