Trends and Topics in Print Media

Every Monday morning, a team of Access media mavens gathers to read the latest trends and topics covered in print media (yes, we still read print media!). The team shares these insights agency wide to ensure we’re all informed and equipped for the week ahead. Every week, we’ll share learnings from the consumer, business and tech spaces here on the Access Point.

This week, we learned about the latest tactic in mis-information, and the everyday item impacting climate change.

• The Evolution of Mis-Information

According to The New York Times, although consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of misinformation on the internet, “imposters” are using this to their advantage. To feed into local news trust, new websites are emerging that look like local news sites, but actually are using town and city names to circulate polarizing third party content to targeted audiences. In many cases, the circulated content is not necessarily false, but rather promotes information that feeds into political rhetoric. For example, The Lansing State Journal recently identified more than 30 “faux-local websites” with Michigan-based names such as “Detroit City Wire” and “Battle Creek Times.” These sites typically provide little to no background information, omitting mastheads, local addresses and revenue sources in many cases. As the 2020 election approaches, misinformation continues to be a heated topic. From political advertisements lacking disclosures, to “independent, local” websites paid for by political leaders and interest groups, it is becoming increasingly important that consumers understand the source and motive behind the information we are fed every day (Brendan Nyhan, The New York Times).

• Clothing Threats

In a New York Times op-ed this week, journalist and author Elizabeth L. Cline argued that we are neglecting a “leading cause of climate change” in today’s rhetoric: clothing. According to a study by environmental group Quantis, the clothing and footwear industry accounts for eight percent of global greenhouse emissions. Elizabeth pointed out that it’s understandable why this discussion has been left behind – clothes are easy to ignore. Besides the fact that they are part of our daily routine, new trends in the fashion industry are constantly enticing consumers to want more. Despite efforts by some brands to go green, consumers can also play a big part in making the situation better. Even simple switches like washing clothes with cold water and air drying laundry can make a difference. If you’re extra committed, there are apps like Stand.earth and Good on You that will identify companies making significant efforts to reduce their carbon footprint (Elizabeth L. Cline, The New York Times).