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Industry unites to showcase ‘trusted news’ in day-long online campaign

Fighting Fake NewsEditors and journalists across the regional press industry have opened up their newsrooms today as part of a bid to combat fake news.

Newspapers have been holding various events online to mark Trusted News Day, which forms part of the News Media Association’s Fighting Fake News campaign.

As previously reported by HTFP, the NMA invited local papers to get involved by hosting interactive events including live blogs revealing the workings of newsrooms on a day-to-day basis, and question and answer sessions with editors and journalists about their work.

Journalists taking part in the event have been using the hashtag #TrustedNewsDay on Twitter to showcase examples of the work they do on their patches and promote awareness of the event.

The hashtag has been trending on Twitter in the United Kingdom throughout the morning, meaning it is one of the most talked about subjects today on the social media website.

The NMA launched its Fighting Fake News campaign last month to highlight the role of local newspapers in fighting the phenomenon and to emphasise their reputation for “highly trusted” journalism.

At the time of the campaign’s launch, NMA 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.”