More fake news caught! Take action today
 
Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:55:15 -0500 (CDT)

Dear supporters of real journalism,

	If you think the fight against fake news is over, you're wrong.  The wholesale deception of news viewers continues, as the Center for Media and Democracy's (CMD's) latest research shows.  You can see the problem here:  http://www.prwatch.org/fakenews3/summary

	Last year, we released two groundbreaking multimedia reports documenting the widespread and undisclosed use of fake TV news, or "video news releases" (VNRs).  VNRs disguise corporate or government public relations messages as news.  Worse, television stations frequently include VNRs in their newscasts, without any disclosure to viewers.

	Thanks to our research and to your action, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced its intention to fine Comcast for VNR broadcasts documented by CMD.  This is the first time ever that a media company has been held responsible for fake news!

	However, this doesn't mean that the fake news problem is solved.  In fact, additional research by CMD identified recent instances where a television station aired three pre-packaged VNRs in their entirety.

	You can see the new VNR catches here: http://www.prwatch.org/fakenews3/summary

	Because of the new catches, and because the FCC has yet to act on VNR complaints against 110 other television stations, CMD is launching a new campaign:  "Know Fake News."

	If you agree that the public should know fake news when it sees it, please take action by going here: http://action.freepress.net/campaign/fakenews3

	Our research has shown that disclosure of fake news continues to be the exception, not the rule.  Of the 143 VNR broadcasts documented by CMD to date, only two -- that's 1.4%! -- provided clear disclosure to news viewers.  Yet television remains the number one news source in the United States.

	The FCC's proposed fines are a great first step, but more must be done to ensure viewers' right to know.

	PR executives, broadcasters and others are furiously lobbying the FCC to back off.  The agency needs to hear from concerned citizens like you, to stop the fake news epidemic!

	Please take action today, at: http://action.freepress.net/campaign/fakenews3

	Lastly, real investigative journalism is expensive.  You can help us continue to expose corporate propaganda, debunk deceptive spin, and build citizen-run media alternatives by making a tax-deductible donation to CMD.  You can donate securely online here:  http://www.prwatch.org/donate
or send a check made out to "CMD" to the address below.

	Thanks for your action and support!