Sinclair's Nationalization of Local News is "Big Problem," Says Leading Media Strategist Brown

Sinclair's Nationalization of Local News is "Big Problem," Says Leading Media Strategist Brown

Merrill Brown, the founding Editor-in-Chief for MSNBC.com and former Director of the School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University, joined GoLocalProv News Editor Kate Nagle on GoLocal LIVE to talk about the viral Deadspin video of Sinclair media journalists reading a pro-Trump, anti "fake-news" script -- and what the ramifications mean. 

"My reaction was some shock -- but not that much -- some surprise -- but not that much -- and admiration for the Deadspin people who put it together so effectively," said Brown. 

"This is largely what Sinclair is all about. It's had different manifestations in the past, [so] it shouldn't be that surprising," said Brown. "But it's a wake-up call to people all across the country about how important local TV news is, and how the nationalization of it -- ideological or not -- is a big problem for our communities."

"It should [create distrust] but I'm not sure it does or not," said Brown. "It would be interesting to do some research in Sinclair markets about how people are interpreting that."
Brown also called into question President Trump's use of the term "fake news," what actually constitutes fake news, and how media has a responsibility to reclaim the term -- in that there is actual "fake news" that is in fact fabrication of false or misleading information -- and not actual news that the President, or other parties, disagree with.