Description: Fake news / Satire
Circulating since: July 2014
Status: False (see details below)
Example:
Via EmpireNews.net, July 24, 2014:
Analysis: How can you tell when you're reading political satire, as opposed to actual news? One clue is "reportage" like this:
Another clue is the utter absence of any mention of the such an incident in mainstream media venues. The arrest of a former U.S. president for any reason is the very definition of Big News. Why didn't we read about it in the New York Times?
Lastly, have a good look at the source, EmpireNews.net. How much do you know about it? Do you have good reason to believe it's reliable? Did you read its disclaimer page? I did. Here's how the site describes itself:
The public figure here being satirized, George W. Bush, is a recovering alcoholic who says he gave up drinking once and for all on his 40th birthday in 1986.
Some sources have claimed that he also used cocaine in his younger days, and there have even been rumors to the effect that he was arrested for cocaine possession in 1972, but Bush has consistently denied ever using illegal drugs and the allegations remain unsubstantiated.
A word to the wise
News satire is becoming increasingly popular on the Internet thanks in large part to social sharing, which is a boon to tbe "virality" of shared content but which also, unfortunately, tends to obscure its origin and intent. Too few readers bother to check the authenticity of the items they share -- or, indeed, even bother to read those items in their entirety -- leading to much confusion vis-Ã -vis what's true vs. what's false in their social news feeds. Be sure to consult -- and share -- our Guide to Fake News Websites for a checklist of humor and satire sites commonly mistaken for legitimate news sources. You'll be glad you did.
More hot 'scoops' from EmpireNews.net:
• Unborn Baby Becomes Pregnant
• Dead Body Found Under Motel Bed in NJ
• Charles Manson Granted Parole
• Obama Signs Bill Forgiving All Student Loan Debt
Sources and further reading:
George W. Bush Arrested for Cocaine Possession
Empire News (satire website), 24 July 2014
Laura Bush Reveals How George W. Stopped Drinking
ABC News, 4 May 2010
Bush Faces New Round of Drug Questions
CNN, 20 August 1999
Don't Be Fooled! A Guide to Fake News Websites
About.com: Urban Legends
Last updated 07/28/14
Circulating since: July 2014
Status: False (see details below)
Example:
Via EmpireNews.net, July 24, 2014:
George W. Bush Arrested for Cocaine Possession
DALLAS, Texas -Â
One of the most notorious Presidents in history of The United States of America is back in the spotlight, but not because of his politics. George W. Bush was arrested in a Dallas suburb late Tuesday evening after a routine traffic stop uncovered over an ounce of cocaine in his glove compartment.
Dallas police say they pulled over Bush after he made a right turn without signaling. Officers report they were surprised when seeing it was the ex-president, but felt something was off about his behavior. They say Bush seemed under the influence of a narcotic, and the officers on-scene asked to search the car. Curiously, Bush consented, and police found the narcotics.
- Full Text -
Analysis: How can you tell when you're reading political satire, as opposed to actual news? One clue is "reportage" like this:
"I broke so many laws when I was in office, and I didn’t see you coming to try to arrest me then!" Bush shouted at police officers.
Another clue is the utter absence of any mention of the such an incident in mainstream media venues. The arrest of a former U.S. president for any reason is the very definition of Big News. Why didn't we read about it in the New York Times?
Lastly, have a good look at the source, EmpireNews.net. How much do you know about it? Do you have good reason to believe it's reliable? Did you read its disclaimer page? I did. Here's how the site describes itself:
Empire News is a satirical and entertainment website. We only use invented names in all our stories, except in cases when public figures are being satirized. Any other use of real names is accidental and coincidental.
The public figure here being satirized, George W. Bush, is a recovering alcoholic who says he gave up drinking once and for all on his 40th birthday in 1986.
Some sources have claimed that he also used cocaine in his younger days, and there have even been rumors to the effect that he was arrested for cocaine possession in 1972, but Bush has consistently denied ever using illegal drugs and the allegations remain unsubstantiated.
A word to the wise
News satire is becoming increasingly popular on the Internet thanks in large part to social sharing, which is a boon to tbe "virality" of shared content but which also, unfortunately, tends to obscure its origin and intent. Too few readers bother to check the authenticity of the items they share -- or, indeed, even bother to read those items in their entirety -- leading to much confusion vis-Ã -vis what's true vs. what's false in their social news feeds. Be sure to consult -- and share -- our Guide to Fake News Websites for a checklist of humor and satire sites commonly mistaken for legitimate news sources. You'll be glad you did.
More hot 'scoops' from EmpireNews.net:
• Unborn Baby Becomes Pregnant
• Dead Body Found Under Motel Bed in NJ
• Charles Manson Granted Parole
• Obama Signs Bill Forgiving All Student Loan Debt
Sources and further reading:
George W. Bush Arrested for Cocaine Possession
Empire News (satire website), 24 July 2014
Laura Bush Reveals How George W. Stopped Drinking
ABC News, 4 May 2010
Bush Faces New Round of Drug Questions
CNN, 20 August 1999
Don't Be Fooled! A Guide to Fake News Websites
About.com: Urban Legends
Last updated 07/28/14