Rise of Partisan Websites Masquerading as Local News Outlets
Partisan websites posing as local news outlets outnumber American newspapers, fueling polarizing narratives and misinformation ahead of high-stakes elections. The rise of 'pink slime' sites comes amidst a decline in traditional local newspapers, leaving many communities without legitimate coverage.
Key Points
- Over 1,200 'pink slime' websites mimic local news outlets, fueled by AI and political motivations
- Many of these sites target swing states and aim to influence political beliefs
- Decline of traditional local newspapers has led to 'news deserts' in many counties
- Artificial intelligence tools are being used to generate content, furthering misinformation and eroding trust in media