Conspiracy Journalism represents a genre of journalism that has elements of advocacy journalism, yellow journalism and investigative journalism. It typically intends to expose or reveal a plan, plot or conspiracy (typically executed by government, corporations or other established organization) towards a group of innocents. Conspiracy journalism usually exists in the lesser known sections of media and may have significant political or religious overtones.

This phrase was used by conspiracist publications, such as Paranoia Magazine, to describe works supporting their various theories. In a review of Shadow Government, the pseudonymed author Joan d Arc described Len Bracken work as "conspiracy journalism"^[1] Scholars, such Adam Ellick, have lectured on the topic in regards to national approaches to conspiracy journalism.^[2]

Conspiracy journalism has grown significantly since the proliferation of the internet. Previously it existed in published tracts, such as the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. It is characterized by dramatic accusations or wrong doing or maliciousness, which lack substantive proof. Conspiracy journalism uses the elements of propaganda to foster interest and gain readers.

[edit] Aspects of conspiracy journalism

Conspiracy journalists employ the same tools and tecniques of traditional journalism, typically working to maintain a high level of proficiency, adherence to traditional styles and investigative techniques. Frequently, conspiracy jouranlists will assert that their work is ignored by the mass media, sometimes called mainstream media, and / or being suppressed.

Conspiracy journalism has been described as "gossip masquerading as investigative journalism" by Spiked's Brendan O'Neill^[3]

In 1998, the Media Research Center (a conservative media watchdog group) identified activities by the Clinton administration of having aspects of conspiracy journalism.^[4]. Commentors on independent journalism and discussion boards , such as whale.to, frequently invcoke the term "conspiracy journalism" in both favorable and disparaging methods. In July of 2008, an active discussion of "Who if Barbara Bush, Really" referenced conspiracy journalism as a separate class of journalism.^[5]

[edit] Current examples

Most recently, the growth of the 9/11 Truth movement has been fueled by its own conspiracy journalism. This is the publication and reporting of issues, information , opionion and data related to their specific cause. Thousands of pages of documents, stories and articles have been generated by this organization in its quest to validate its stated position. During the controversey in the 2000 presidential election, main stream media organizations delved into aspects of conspiracy journalism regarding the Florida recount. It was only later that a comprehensive review by the New York Times revealed no conspiracy existed^[6].

Immediately following the death of Michael Jackson, a German television station posted a hoax video on the web implying that Jackson's death was faked^[7]. The video was immediately picked up by news outlets and the experiment by the German station supported the very nature of conspiracy journalism, which is the advocacy of counter-institutional explanations.

[edit] See also

• Alternative media
• Conspiracy theories
• Debunker
• Investigative journalism
• Journalism
• Muckraker

[edit] References

[edit] Books

• Bratich, Jack Z. Conspiracy panics: political rationality and popular culture. Publisher SUNY Press, 2008 ISBN 0791473333, 9780791473337 Length 229 pages Web Ref Page 77
• Bracken, Len. Shadow Government. Publisher: Adventures Unlimited Press (October 2002) ISBN 1931882053

[edit] External links

• National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) Citizen Journalism website
• Web: Canada - Conspiracy Journalism, 9/11
• Fact Check
• Media Matters (liberal media watchdog and advocacy group

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