Fake News is a Pleonasm --- In response to Biljana’s question both the UK meme and the US cable news show reference the term ‘fake news’. The meme is not remotely comparable to ‘fake news’ it is published with malice, and I think it is defamatory and intended to harm the reputation of the politician.

In the case of the US cable newscaster this newscaster traffics in sensationalism at the direction of the cable news management. However, her audience believe she presents a truthful perspective. Her defense attorneys argued successfully that her audience does not believe it is news; the lawyers argued that the audience believes it is ‘fake news’ and consumed as entertainment.

As Humpty Dumpty said – "the word means just what the user chooses." If Mr. Dumpty had taken our class, in Language and Diplomacy, he would have described 'fake news' as a pleonasm. It is simply 'news'.

Source author: John D. Hipsley jhipsley@igc.org