5 ways you can join the fight against ‘fake news’

Distrust toward the news media is at an all-time high.

Throughout the past four years, journalism and news media has been plagued by claims that it is inherently biased, inaccurate and steeped in propaganda. This is true for some outlets (for which the damage is done), but certainly for not all. Now, as people of a divided nation align with either Fox News or CNN, fact is considered fiction until “proven” true.

The mission of the incoming administration is to unify a divided country, although most are skeptical about what this really means. A large part of this restoration lies in the hands of  media outlets, which have great power to either fuel or bury fake news. To that end, the news media itself must rehabilitate its image and proactively increase the amount of trust it inspires. Within PR and communications, now is the time to encourage consumers, colleagues and brands to question bias rather than fact.

In a post-Trump media world, here are five recommendations brands should consider:

1. Promote a message of unity.

Embrace a message of togetherness aligned to your brand’s mission. Without compromising the missions of hard-fought social justice movements, the need for unity is clear in the name of safety and healing.

2. Take action that matters.