‘Fake news’ gets debated at meeting of the minds

The impact of “fake news” on democracy is to be analysed by a group of Scottish academics, politicians and journalists.

Ross Thomson, MP for Aberdeen South, and Mark Mcdonald, MSP for Aberdeen Donside and Minister for Childcare and Early Years, will share their experiences at the event in Aberdeen on Monday.

STV journalist Louise Hosie and former Press and Journal editor Damian Bates are also on the panel.

Secondary students from a dozen local schools will attend. The event has relevance to subjects covered by Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University (RGU).

RGU academics will explore the phenomenon of “fake news”, which has played a prominent role in the news agenda over the past 18 months. The term has gained global popularity thanks to US president Donald Trump.