By Robyn Forbes
Following the campaign season and President Donald Trump’s election, the search for truth became even more pressing. People began to pay closer attention to media and news outlets, expecting to be provided with information that would help them make the best decision for the country.
Join @newsceo and @jeffsonderman at 2 p.m. on Facebook for a discussion about #fakenews and how you can #supportrealnews pic.twitter.com/G8biJFUJu9
— News/Media Alliance (@newsalliance) March 29, 2017
News Media Alliance initiated a social media campaign against fake news called ‘Support Real News’. A Facebook Live event was hosted on March 29 to encourage people to get involved in the movement and show their support for journalists by using the hashtag #SupportRealNews on social media.
The truth is out there. You just have to dig for it. #SupportRealNews #journalismmatters pic.twitter.com/ucwYqpytG8
— Colorado Press Association (@ColoradoPress) March 31, 2017
The movement encourages people to subscribe to local newspapers, donate to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, and show their appreciation for the truths accessible to them because of the press. It’s developing a following on social media and the hashtag has attracted a politically diverse group of people.
The press keeps everyone in check: gov't, private citizens; no one is above the law. #SupportRealNews. Support your right to know.
— Sabine (BLM) Joseph (@SabineJ22) March 29, 2017
Fake news sites have been sprouting up on the web, creating frenzies over untrue stories and spreading imagined ‘information’. Google and Facebook have made efforts to reduce the amount of fake news site advertisements on their platforms, but it is a stand taken by individuals that really changes the dynamic of this war on fake news.
News matters because we have a right to know the facts–not the alternative facts #SupportRealNews
— Laura Romero (@lauraromero1207) March 29, 2017
However, the unconventional and unpredictable state of the candidates’ run for office, particularly Trump’s campaign, was taken advantage of. Fake news began to pollute the media and it became difficult to detect amidst the very real and just as shocking occurrences of the time.
Time to back up my beliefs with my money. Getting the @seattletimes 7 day delivery and @nytimes online subscription. #SupportRealNews
— Star Magic Jackson Jr. (@hey_zeus) January 29, 2017
Deciding on the importance of the truth is a huge part of this movement. At its core, this movement is an effort to prompt the public realization of just how crucial access to and an understanding of real and current information is to a democracy.
Journalism builds the framework of a just and free society. That's why I #SupportRealNews — to make this world a better place.
— cesar (@zafracxx) March 29, 2017
