Lib Dems Criticised Over Fake Local Newspaper

The Lib Dems have attracted fresh criticism for dressing up party political messaging as independent local news after another example of a fake local paper emerged. 

The News Media Association has said that political propaganda masquerading as independent local news damages public trust in both local news media and politicians. 

Political material masquerading as independent local news damages public trust in both politicians and local news media. It is a deliberate attempt by politicians to mislead the public which harms and undermines our democratic society. https://t.co/8TPwx6laHz

— News Media Association (@newsmediaorg) August 18, 2022

Examples of fake local papers from all the main political parties have emerged periodically across the country, with their frequency increasing around local elections.

The NMA has campaigned against such publications arguing that they are designed to dupe the public which cynically undermine the efforts of real journalists who are working to keep the public informed.