‘Fake news’, real impact: Changing practices among public broadcasting organizations in the Asia-Pacific region

Abstract

This study is an attempt to understand ‘fake news’ from the unique perspective of public broadcasting organizations in the Asia-Pacific region; the focus is on how – and how well – they have adapted to the growing incidence of various forms of disinformation, and how they see their role in educating diverse audiences about the phenomenon. This research provides public broadcasting organizations and (news) media practitioners with up-to-date, evidence-based insights on how to combat ‘fake news’ and disinformation effectively. In collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development, a census survey was conducted among their members, resulting in 57 completed questionnaires, representing 24 public broadcasting organizations in eighteen countries. A major finding is that public broadcasting organizations have to get used to revisiting, revising and refining what it is they do (practices), how it is being done (systems, operating procedures, technologies, financial resources) and by whom (human but also IT resources). The analysis also points up the need for collaboration so that scarce resources can be utilized more efficiently.