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Regional press launches pre-election bid to fight fake news

The trade body for the regional press has launched a new bid to tackle fake news by highlighting the trustworthy nature of local news brands.

The News Media Association has announced its Fighting Fake News campaign, which aims to highlight the role of local newspapers in fighting the phenomenon.

The campaign also aims to inform readers about the importance of the regional press in providing “highly trusted” journalism in the run up to the General Election.

Former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls and broadcaster Ben Fogle are among those supporting the campaign, which will officially go live on Wednesday ahead of Local Newspaper Week, which runs from 15 to 21 May.

News Media Association chairman Ashley Highfield said: “The critical role of local newspapers in providing local communities with highly trusted news and advertising platforms is even more important than ever in the run up to the general election.

“Through their reporting, local newspapers uphold, promote and support democracy, fighting against the fake news which undermines and subverts it.

“We must champion the vital democratic function of local newspapers now, more than ever.”