The fake News Phenomenon within British Media

The phenomenon of fake news is a growing concern in the contemporary British press environment and needs urgent attention. The lack of strict fact-checking mechanisms, mass distribution, and widespread use of social media platforms are some of the contributing factors to the spread of fake news[1]. The power of social media platforms coupled with the vast online outlets has led to an unprecedented level of fake news in the modern British press.

One of the most significant features of fake news in the British press today is the abundance of alternative media sources[2]. The rapid emergence of new journalism platforms such as blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels, coupled with widespread social media usage, has provided fertile ground for the spread of false or misleading information that masquerades as credible news. The rise of social media influencers, such as the author and influencer Katie Hopkins, who have become prominent figures in the British press by disseminating misleading information on social media platforms, adds to this growing concern[3].

Another key feature of the fake news phenomenon in the British press is the lack of strict fact-checking protocols[4]. The quest for speed at the expense of accuracy, combined with the largely self-regulated nature of the British press, has created a conducive environment for the widespread dissemination of fake news. The sensationalist and misleading coverage found in the tabloid press further perpetuate this issue. For example, in 2015, The Sun newspaper ran a headline stating that "1 in 5 Brit Muslims' sympathy for jihadis," which was based on a misinterpretation of survey data[5].

Additionally, fake news in the British press often enjoys significant social media distribution. Algorithms favoring clickbait content and sensationalist headlines tend to spread quickly, culminating in the proliferation of fake news and making it difficult to counteract. A prime example of the power of social media is highlighted in the recent case of the Conservative Party who re-branded one of their social media accounts as "factcheckUK" during a party leaders' debate. This misleading branding was condemned by media regulators but not before it had gained significant exposure on social media[6].

Social media platforms tend to facilitate the spread of fake news even further. Not only do they provide a conducive environment for the proliferation of untrue information, but they also make it easier for malicious actors to spread fake news faster and more efficiently than traditional news media platforms. A case in point is the misleading headline from the Daily Express in 2016, claiming that the EU would ban British sausages, which was retweeted over 1,000 times[7].

To combat the problem of fake news in the British press, news outlets need to prioritize accuracy over speed. This creation can be achieved by implementing better fact-checking mechanisms and protocols. Media regulators should hold news organizations accountable to ensure accurate reporting. Additionally, the wider public needs to develop the ability to scrutinize news sources critically. This calls for the development of media literacy skills that enable individuals to differentiate between credible and unreliable sources of information[8].

In conclusion, the phenomenon of fake news poses a significant challenge to the credibility of the British press. The abundance of alternative media sources, lack of strict fact-checking protocols, and the reliance on social media platforms, among other factors, pose a significant risk to the quality and integrity of the news. News organizations, media regulators, and the public need to support initiatives such as the implementation of robust fact-checking protocols, strengthening media regulatory frameworks, and developing critical media literacy skills among the public. By doing so, the UK can help safeguard the credibility of the press, ensuring that individuals have access to accurate and trustworthy news sources

1. Wardle, C., & Derakhshan, H. (2019). Information disorder: Toward an interdisciplinary framework for research and policymaking. Council of Europe report, 1-120.
2. Matsa, K. E., & Shearer, E. (2018). What Americans know about fake news and media trust. Pew Research Center, 6, 101-114.
3. Thornhill, J. (2020). The agonies of a Brexit relative: fake news, disinformation and misinformation. Journal of International and Comparative Law, 7(1), 115-132.
4. Wardle, C., & Derakhshan, H. (2017). The battle against ‘fake news’ and disinformation: An ongoing global conversation. Council of Europe report, 1-78.
5. Ofcom. (2016). News consumption in the UK: 2016 report.
6. Ofcom. (2020). Report of the investigation into the rebranding of the Conservative Party's Twitter account.
7. Fletcher, R., & Park, J. (2017). The impact of newsroom automation on fake news and fact-checking. Digital Journalism, 5(4), 443-468.
8. Katz, R. (2019). Fake news and media literacy: 10 reasons to be optimistic. Journal of Applied Journalism & Media Studies, 8(1), 61-77.
9. Friedland, L.-A. (2018). Battling fake news: A summary of key recommendations towards building more trustworthy journalism. Global Investigative Journalism Network.