On October 1, 2017,
a lone gunman who was armed to the teeth killed 59 Americans and wounded more than 500. Weeks after this sickening massacre, the gunman's motive is unknown. And law enforcement have still found no indication that the shooting was motivated by any specific political ideology or belief set.
These are the facts — but this isn't the story viewers of YouTube's "Top News" channel saw as the tragedy unfolded in Las Vegas.Instead, the channel was filled with
naked speculation and baseless conspiracy theories. Alternative Media Television speculated that the shooter might be a government agent. #SeekingTheTruth claimed the shooter was an "Anti Trump Far Left Activist". Both claims are patently false.
Right now, anyone can post a video to the "news" channel — regardless of their credentials or the accuracy of their claims. Stories are elevated to YouTube's "top news" page based mainly on the number of people who engage with the video. Put another way, right now YouTube's "Top News” need only be popular —not accurate.
YouTube reaches 1.5 billion people every month. The lack of editorial standards for stories that YouTube offers to the public as "news" should disturb us all.By spreading misinformation, YouTube fuels division in the country and undermines the type of informed debate necessary to develop working solutions to tough problems. Given the complex issues we face, we need YouTube viewers to be more — not less — educated.
Demand journalistic integrity from one of the largest self-professed online "news” outlets. Urge YouTube to develop and enforce editorial standards for its "Top News" channel now.