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Fake news used to increase newspaper circulation, just as it increases click-throughs today.
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsCenter12 hr. ago

Fake news used to increase newspaper circulation, just as it increases click-throughs today.

The article recounts a historical episode where the newspaper 'The New York Sun' published a fictional serial in 1835, claiming that renowned British astronomer Sir John Herschel had made extraordinary discoveries on the Moon using a large telescope. These fabricated stories included descriptions of forests, oceans of amethyst-colored water, beaches of white sand, and strange creatures such as bison-like animals, silver-furred unicorns, and giant two-legged beings building temples. The article draws a parallel between this historical instance of fake news and modern concerns about clickbait and misinformation, suggesting that both have driven increased circulation and engagement.

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Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentCenter12 hr. ago
Fake news used to increase newspaper circulation, just as it increases click-throughs today.

The article recounts a historical episode where the newspaper 'The New York Sun' published a fictional serial in 1835, claiming that renowned British astronomer Sir John Herschel had made extraordinary discoveries on the Moon using a large telescope. These fabricated stories included descriptions of forests, oceans of amethyst-colored water, beaches of white sand, and strange creatures such as bison-like animals, silver-furred unicorns, and giant two-legged beings building temples. The article draws a parallel between this historical instance of fake news and modern concerns about clickbait and misinformation, suggesting that both have driven increased circulation and engagement.

Bias read (Center): While the article discusses the historical impact of fake news and draws parallels to contemporary issues, it does not take a clear ideological stance. It presents the historical example neutrally and uses it as a framework to discuss current concerns about misinformation without overtly favoring a左

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