Fake News

This is a bit of a worry. Firstly, in regard to the prevalence of this, I wonder how a $32,500 fine is going to dissuade the multi-million dollar political PR industry from breaking the rules. But then, can we expect laws to be passed to increase the fines? Is it likely that the government will legislate against what is a very effective method of persuasion? And, more worrying still, how much of this happens here in the UK? Sometimes it's very straightforward to spot a report that is basically reading out a press release, but not always. This further emphasises the need to be alert and skeptical of the mainstream media.

In terms of the 'media ecology' that Tom has been mulling over recently, this feels like a nasty weed in the wrong flower bed. The practices of one type of communication have learnt to emulate another, and it takes a keen gardener to spot the difference.

It also reminds me of what Paul Virilio was talking about when he was discussing the move from the 'retinal' to the 'optical' -– ie, replacing the 'seen' with the 'optically corrected'. Much more reading required before I can talk authoritatively on that.