How to debunk media myths
In this post, UWS’s Ullrich Ecker, John Cook and Stephen Lewandowsky argue that cognitive science can help PRs form strategies in managing media misreporting.
A growing cohort of commentators has bemoaned the descent of contemporary political “debate” into a largely fact-free zone.
People used to be entitled to their own opinions, but not their own set of facts. In the contemporary spectacle that passes for politics, it appears as though politicians are also entitled to make up their own facts at will.
There are small but encouraging signs that this era of post-fact politics might be coming to an end.
thanks for that, nice piece – and hopefully something that should be second nature to seasoned PRs
For a really interesting and educational look at hoe Australian misinformation, spin and propaganda are presented to the rest of the world, take a look at “Selling the Circus” by Sydney based advisor, Sam Hamilton. It is a book intended for students and young communicators (PR, Advertising and News media) but it contains a lot of useful and intersting hints for experienced operators… Ironically, it was written in Oz but is published in USA so is only available via Amazon or Argotmerdia.net
Thanks to the authors.
Surely we are pre-disposed to believe myths and things that cannot be proven.
Think about our justice system where people are obliged to tell the truth. Isn’t it ironic that people testifying are asked to swear on a bible, a work of fiction?
Our “newspapers” contain horoscopes and “mediums” like John Edwards are on primetime TV.
JRJ
Oblique derailment is a very effective strategy with three year olds.
Crystallising the modern media mire.
Nice piece.
here’s a summary:
– mud sticks
– don’t repeat negatives
– deflect blame to others
– undermine the credibility of the source
– stick to the facts and KISS
– focus on the swinging voter
The authors are absolutely correct in everything they say….. however…. their explanations also illustrate the growing void between PR theory as it is taught and communications reality as it is practised. When a proposition consists of one item of misinformation and the opposition’s case can be furthered the solutions they suggest that is perfect, BUT in today’s market, the initial message may be deliberately misleading, simply to increase reaction and draw additional players or to have someone “more credible” fight the fight on the originators behalf. These gambits, bluffs, and forfeit messages may be allowed to multiply over weeks (as in lead up to an election) simply in order to keep opponents occupied on a point than can be conclusively refuted in minutes (as in the last 24 hours before voting). Unfortunately “Selling the Circus” is not a free booklet, but it could make excellent supplimentary reading.