One of the questions I’m asked most goes something like this: How can we reach people who have heard so many lies in the media, for so long, that they don’t know what to believe?
In the 100th episode, I offer a message you can share. Feel free to forward this to anyone and everyone who cares about truth.
It begins at timecode 26:45. Here’s a written, cleaned up, hyperlinked version.
Hi there,
I spent 20 years in big media and did a lot of fact-checking. I’m all about getting you the truth, and not asking anyone to take my word for anything.
Very good, well-meaning people are being fooled by the media. When you hear that, you might immediately get certain images in your head, like, “Wait a second, is this guy some far-right figure pushing Trump’s view that everything Trump doesn’t like is fake?” Or, “Is he some far-left figure who thinks everything on the right is evil?” None of that.
It really is this simple: things you are told by media giants these days aren’t accurate. I have reported how The New York Times admitted to me that they leave stuff up that they know is false, and how CNN “reports” falsehoods inside what it calls fact checks. The list goes on. (Check out mediafailawards.com.)
There’s nothing subjective about it. It’s that bad. And it’s fueling hatred across our society.
These places are capitalizing on making people angry. That is their new business model.
If you have turned away from the news, I don’t blame you. If you find yourself going down rabbit holes of extreme negativity in your feeds, I don’t blame you for that. Many people are in similar situations.
There is a better way. I invite you to check out They Stand Corrected, the podcast and newsletter.
We deserve better. You deserve better: a source of truth. Thanks.
JL
P.S. Supporters, be in touch with questions, feedback, and links you want me to fact check!