Thread by @freepress

Today the @washingtonpost released an extremely scary video that illustrates how #FoxNews downplayed the early days of the #Covid19 crisis.

Right now it’s clearer than ever that #FoxNewsLies are powerful, toxic and dangerous.

And it’s time to put a stop to it.

➡️THREAD—

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How did we get here? First, Fox News is a pro-Trump propaganda machine. They’ve spent years telling viewers that the “deep state” is out to get Trump, and they eagerly painted #covid19 as just the latest attack.

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But #FoxNews and others like them were wrong. The #coronavirus is a deadly and highly contagious global pandemic, and their downplaying of the virus as an attempt to support Trump will quite literally cost many lives.

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As our friends at @mmfa put it: “Stars like talk radio giant Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity could have played key roles in promoting public health.

Instead, they worked to counteract public concern about coronavirus and defend Trump’s response.”

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mediamatters.org/coronavirus-co…

This dynamic is not new in 2020.

Fox News’ devotion to Trump is actually just one facet of a decades-old misinformation cycle, one that’s been dangerous for a long time but is now coming into sharp view because of the #covid19 public health crisis.

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It’s called #MISINFORMATION. ⬅️

For #RushLimbaugh, Christian Broadcasting Network, #FoxNews, #Breitbart and others, it’s BIG BUSINESS.

They’ve spent decades building a core audience on the idea that POC, immigrants & religious minorities are the enemy, and Trump = a savior.

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Our friends at @CJR released a landmark study of the propaganda loop in 2017, and recently interviewed researcher Yochai Benkler on how conspiracy theories enter the mainstream conversation:

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This misinformation machine is a web of bloggers, radio broadcasters, TV hosts and more, all churning out hateful narratives against people of color, women, religious minorities, LGBTQ folks and immigrants, while raking in profits + political power:

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freepress.net/our-response/e…

And @Facebook @Twitter @YouTube and others are on the #misinformation gravy train too.

False reports are shared widely on social media, and Russian actors use the attention + confusion to interfere in U.S. elections.

All of this = $$$ for Big Tech.

9 washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/1…

Millions of people, especially older Americans, experience this #misinformation on a constant loop, from Facebook timelines to TV screens at home and in medical offices, and back around again.

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So it’s no wonder that last week, when everyone flocked to TV, radio and newspapers for information on the unfolding #pandemic, and every report could have convinced people to stay home and flatten the curve — #FoxNewsLies quickly convinced millions to ignore health warnings.

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Yes, #FoxNews changed its tune this week. But it’s NOT because they suddenly got better at journalism. It’s because thousands are dying.

And there will be thousands more — because the contamination has already occurred.

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washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/medi…

WE CAN’T LET #FOXNEWS GET AWAY WITH THIS.

✊ We are activists, and we’re here to let you know there’s a lot we can do.

✅ Here’s the plan:

/ 13

✅It is illegal for broadcasters like Limbaugh and Hannity’s network @iHeartRadio to intentionally distort the news.

The 1st Amendment must be respected, but stations also need to be responsible for what they air.

The @FCC has a responsibility to act when they fail.

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✅We need the @FCC to step in and stop the spread of misinformation about COVID-19 on public airwaves NOW.

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✅The products you buy every day are made by companies that advertise on #FoxNews, pumping YOUR money into the misinformation machine.

Take action now and tell them to #DropFox -> dropfox.com

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✅The hardest action here is actually the most simple: Have a talk with your family. Tell them to #DetoxFox by turning it off forever at home, in their businesses, and in their minds. Here’s a guide we shared during the holidays that might help: freepress.net/our-response/e…

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In the words of @dayanitaramesh of @freepress, “Viewers are the oxygen for Fox’s toxic fire and Fox needs its viewers more than viewers need Fox News. If you have friends and family members who watch Fox, talk to them about the dangerous lies the network spreads.”

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You think we’re done?

Aht aht! Big Tech, we’re looking at you, too. 🧐🧐🧐🧐

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✅Like #FoxNews, it’s time for Big Tech to get out of the misinformation-business, too.

That’s why we’re calling for @Facebook, @YouTube, @Twitter and others to disclose how much they profit from disinformation.

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✅These companies pay little to no taxes – and leave society to clean up their dangerous mess.

So we’ve also proposed an Advertising Tax on social media platforms. Let's disrupt this dangerous business model AND fund quality local #journalism: freepress.net/news/press-rel…

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✅It’s also time for Big Tech to #ChangeTheTerms.

Last year we joined more than 50 civil-rights orgs in issuing a set of model terms of service that would help disrupt the spread of online hate and misinformation.

📲Learn more at changetheterms.org

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✅ Ultimately, we need to save democracy. That means Congress must provide oversight: Demand answers from media execs about what they're doing to stop the spread of lies on cable and public airwaves. Demand tech execs #ChangeTheTerms.

Tell policymakers to get on it.

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So that's it. That's the thread.

Turn off #FoxNewsLies in your home. Visit freepress.net to join the fight for better media and tech.

We can’t wait for the next crisis — we must stop the #misinformation now.

Please take good care and stay well.

24 / end

🚨 This Just In: #FoxNews is now offering free access to their very-helpful-channel.

In response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Which they made worse.

By denying for weeks.

🙃🙃🙃

Choose your info wisely, folks.

Spoiler: This ain't it. #StopMisinfo

latimes.com/entertainment-…