BBC to help students identify 'fake news'

I suppose it's good to tell students that not everything they hear and read is true.

I'm not sure if there is a simple technique to distinguish between real and fake news. One needs in-depth knowledge of the topic to tell who is making sense and who isn't.

 

Now if only the BBC would provide the same training to their own staff

 

What's the bet that part of the advice will be that for science stories they should rely on trusted resources like the SMC rather than campaigning groups (like patients).

 

As a spectacular example of the quality of journalism on offer, I submit this screenshot taken recently.



From your local friendly Russian Hacker

ETA: This was in the context of a discussion about MP's knowledge of security, and James wondering why people were getting all excited by MP's openly saying that they share their official passwords with staff, and seemingly, anyone who bothers asking.

 

I laughed at this headline too.

No, no, no. It's not about looking at the details and critically assessing the evidence, but realising that the BBC is an independent and trustworthy source, and that those criticising the BBC have dangerous agendas. Worryingly, some young people no longer accept this vital truth!

 

Student:
you know I think its reasonable to suspect the two recent gulf wars were just really about oil and territorial control and not about WMD etc

Man from the "BBC":
Have you been looking at those internet conspiracy theories again, do you believe Elvis is still alive?

Later that day....

Put another one on the GSHQ listening list we have identified a radical.

BBC News that night:

It has been revealed that the level of of understanding of world events is dangerously warped in young people and students with many of them questioning the mainstream government narrative. A spokesman for the think tank which corrects such issues says that more funding is needed to crack down on false news narratives on the internet and they need more powers to control content and even powers of arrest where necessary.

 

There is, if you want to believe it, it's true, if you don't, it's fake

This appears to be the criteria a considerable number of people use anyway

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/editorialguidelines/guidelines/accountability

Section 19: Accountability

Principles

19.1.1

The BBC is accountable to its audiences. Their continuing trust in the BBC is a crucial part of our relationship with them. We will act in good faith by dealing fairly and openly with them.

19.1.2

We are open in acknowledging mistakes when they are made and encourage a culture of willingness to learn from them.
(See Section 3 Accuracy: 3.4.26)

19.1.3

We will use the BBC's online presence to provide proper reporting to the public on complaints we have received, and actions we have taken.