Wen

It won’t surprise many, but this article by Peter Oborne was interesting none the less.

https://bylinetimes.com/2026/05/22/how-anonymous-quotes-are-used-by-political-journalists-and-spin-doctors-to-deceive-the-public/

#Journalism #Deception #PeterOborne #Anonymity #UKPol

How 'Anonymous Quotes' Are Used by Political Journalists and Spin Doctors to Deceive the Public

A startling admission by a Times journalist has revealed how political journalism and power really works in Westminster, reports Peter Oborne

Byline Times
May 24 at 10:31amWeb
Show threadIsabel RuffellMay 24

@Wen I remember being shocked as a younger person when I discovered that many news stories are tessellations of press releases, themselves largely consisting of quotes attributed to figures who certainly never uttered such a statement themselves. I can see the joins, even now.

Mind you, I am pretty sure I've had quotes made up both for and about me by hostile hacks in an earlier life.

Show threadLizzieMay 24
@Wen You know, I met a five year old who was a master at fake quotes from parents and friends....he had the ability to choose words that sounded like those people. Maybe it's an inbuilt ability in many that is never recognized as being a potential disaster when combined with power