The term “fake news” has become a popular way to denigrate news that is critical of people or policies you don’t like. Today more than 200 news organizations are speaking out in editorials against the term “fake news.” They include national newspapers such as the New York Times and the Boston Globe, as well as local news agencies like Z107.7. Managing editor Tami Roleff offers this editorial on why the term “fake news” is damaging to the free press and our democracy…
America's founding fathers knew that a free press is essential to our democracy, and they realized it was so important that it is enshrined in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights.
Just because you don't like the news reported in a story, or because a story may be critical of someone or of a policy, does not mean it is fake news. Legitimate news stories are based on verifiable facts. Editorials, such as this one, are based on opinions. Quashing news—or opinions—that you don't like—or that are critical of political leaders—is Fascism.
Z107.7 takes pride in reporting fair and accurate news. Reporters occasionally make mistakes when reporting the news, but when an error is inadvertently made, we correct it—as do all legitimate news organizations. Making an error does not make the story “fake news.” Fake news is deliberate and malicious. Fake news attempts to erode trust in our institutions of a free press, law enforcement, and government. Fake news is a real threat to democracy, free speech, and freedom of the press. Legitimate news organizations, such as Z107.7, the Hi-Desert Star, Desert Trail, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and nearly every other news organization, do not publish fake news.
