Letter: I Urge All Parties to Stop Distributing Fake Newspapers

Published on: 11 Sep, 2023
Updated on: 11 Sep, 2023

Examples of fake newspapers distributed in Guildford

From: Sue Hackman

Guildford Labour campaign manager

One of the first duties of local politicians is to defend the free press and particularly local newspapers.

Local newspapers are a platform for localised political debate conducted under fair rules and guided by local knowledge.

It doesn’t really matter whether the journalism is online or paper as long as it is fair and responsible. Local journalism is an important mechanism for accountability in local government.

Pretending to be a “real” newspaper is a con trick; it tries to pass off opinion as settled fact and undermines authentic journalism. It also breeds cynicism.

I urge all political parties – including my own – to stop doing it. Just say what your policies are; that’s good enough for most voters.

Responses to Letter: I Urge All Parties to Stop Distributing Fake Newspapers

Ben Paton Reply

September 11, 2023 at 7:46 pm

Well said.

Better to come second than to cheat.
Frank Emery Reply

September 11, 2023 at 7:49 pm

I have to say, they make perfect recycling material and that’s we’re they go without being read.

Stop making waste, stop printing rubbish!
Olly Azad Reply

September 12, 2023 at 3:25 am

I used to think that fake newspapers and fake news reporting was made popular only by Donald Trump in America, but clearly its become fashionable within local politics too, regardless of any party affiliation.

Journalists should be be allowed to report freely without let or hindrance and it should be left up to the public to decide whether such newspapers are fake or not?

Politicians should be focussing on their policies before lecturing us.

Journalists provide an invaluable service often in difficult circumstances and should be recognised for it. After all, political parties are often known to spread non-factual and incorrect information in order to win seats.
Richard Andrews Reply

September 12, 2023 at 9:50 am

I do wonder how many more people would’ve been aware of development plans such as North Street if we still had the old paper based newspapers like the Guildford Times and the Surrey Advertiser.

This is, by my reckoning, an area that has seriously gone downhill since everything went online.
John Lomas Reply

September 12, 2023 at 10:46 am

You could probably compost them if you have a suitable shredder or maybe use them shredded for small animal pet bedding (then compost after use).

If you have a caged bird they could be used as a cage base liner.

Some might say that using then to collect excrement is the best use of such “newspapers”. The droppings could cover up the excrement printed on the paper.