News Under Attack

PRESS RELEASE:

Our News Is Under Attack, We Must Choose Our Sources Carefully – Warns Christian PR Advisor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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“As Russia invades Ukraine, our news sources are also under attack”, says David Taylor.

Taylor, who is a PR advisor, warns that Russian interests are active on social media spreading disinformation about the war in Ukraine. Taylor advises caution and wisdom as Christians seek to be guided on how to pray.

Taylor said, “Fake news proves a challenge when we seek to be guided on how to pray. We will struggle to discern what is and isn’t going on”.

Back in 2017 the University of Edinburgh identified over 400 fake Russian Twitter accounts. These accounts were seen as posting mostly about Brexit with 45,000 Tweets about Brexit, from these accounts, in 48 hours during the referendum. A majority of these messages encouraging people to vote ‘leave’.

Russia has also been linked to interference in the 2016 US Presidential election, with over 3 million tweets linked to Russian accounts.

“We need to be cautious and consume news with wisdom”, Taylor said. “Russia has a history of spreading disinformation on social media. We rely on our news sources to provide us with the facts and so the role of traditional media is more important than ever”.

As Russian troops are reported as moving in to Ukraine, social media is rapidly filling with conflicting reports of missile attacks and amphibious landings. Russian State media is showing apparent footage of Ukrainians fleeing to Russia and there are a large number of Russian videos claiming to show attacks on Russian journalists.

Putin’s video address, declaring the invasion, has also been shown to have been recorded on Monday.

Taylor provides a number of tips for how to discern what the truth is, as well as how to pray.

1. Slow news is probably more accurate news. Real journalism verifies stories before reporting them as ‘fact’. Whilst it may be tempting to find out ‘right now’ that opens the door to false new.

2. Try to filter out ‘emotive’ reporting. This is an emotional topic and many will be sharing their stories with great emotion. However, this can often lead to facts being skewed.

3. Avoid sources you don’t know. There are a lot of satirical news website that are hide to identify as such, as well as many propaganda sites. If you don’t recognise the source then move on.

Providing guidance on how to pray, Taylor advises people include Proverbs 4: 6-7 in their thoughts.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have, get understanding”.