Although news is often an informative way to begin the morning next to a cup of warm coffee, some stations include false information that misleads listeners and stains the reputation of journalists around the world.

   News can lean in many different directions based on the station’s beliefs, opinions, political stance, etc. but the output of false news is often a call for legal action. Three main legal terms that are used to define this offense include libel, slander, and defamation. Each term is roughly similar to one another but there are a few subtle differences between the three.  

   Defamation is a false statement that directly affects or damages a person’s character and/or reputation. Under the category of defamation fall libel and slander where libel is a written statement and slander is a spoken statement. When a news station releases a defamatory statement, the case can be brought to court and the news station could be sued. 

  False news is a serious matter and can have a large impact on people’s personal lives. Misinformation can damage an innocent person’s reputation, which is often difficult to undo. Not only can it damage personal reputation but it can also impact the credibility of journalism as a whole. Journalism uses a code of ethics to follow and misinformation strictly violates it and ruins its journalistic integrity. False news also spreads confusion throughout the public as one news source says something that others do not. Most people instinctively trust whatever the news says and carry it on with a belief, even if it’s not true. Young and impressionable minds, such as those around Berlin, can be tricked to believe false news.

   Although this is unethical, news stations lie to benefit themselves. The spread of propaganda can swing the news in the direction that they want and it can also draw more attention to their channel. With social media, anyone can spread false news and influence the community.

   As a member of the community, it is important to combat this false news and become an informed citizen. The government plays an important role to encourage high-quality journalism but people can still find a way to avoid misinformation. Especially online, it is important to stay skeptical of information and look into several diverse platforms for trustworthy sources.