Russians fill US information gap

When East your local newspaper not your local newspaper? When It is In fact A Russian disinformation operation. A lot "local" sites to have jumped up up In recent weeks — landing names as THE New York News Every day, THE Chicago the Chronicle And THE Miami the Chronicle — that are "supposed has imitate real news organizations has push Kremlin Propaganda," said THE New York Times. THE fake news sites are A "technological leap" In THE in progress campaign has "fooled unsuspecting American readers."

It is not just event In THE United States. THE Times report came A little weeks After France discovered A "vast network of Russian disinformation sites" Operating In Europe, THE World said. THE network of almost 200 sites — called "Portal Fight" by investigators — East "entirely dedicated has reissue And amplify pro-Russian Propaganda." THE GOOD news: "THE audience For these sites seems very limited."

Back In America, However, THE increase of Russian news sites short head first In THE decline of local news sources. THE country lost more that 130 to print newspapers In 2023, THE Conversation said, And almost 2,900 newspapers to have farm Since 2005. That leaves "thousands of communities that simply TO DO not to have to access has local news." Propaganda sites could be portion fill THE the void.

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'Divide And conquer'

"Chaos And mess East THE aim," Stew Magnuson said has National Defense. Russia appears has be "actively look For communities Or newspapers to have disappeared" has fill THE empty with Propaganda campaigns supposed has "erode OUR trust In democratic institutional." If SO, THE Russians to have selected A easy target. "Newsroom are be empty" even In communities Or local news organizations continue has function. That leaves those communities relatively defenseless. "Divide And conquer East THE strategy."

Research watch that THE "decline of local journalism East partner with THE Drivers of disinformation," John Batman And Dean Jackson said has THE Carnegie Donation For International Peace...