Fake news is fabricated information that has been packaged and distributed to appear as legitimate news content. Its intent is to deceive consumers into believing it is true. It is emotionally charged and often sensational to grab attention. The focus is a specific piece of information as opposed to the news or media outlet.
What does not constitute fake news:
See Constitutional Rights Foundation, Understanding Fake News for a detailed description and activity for learning more about fake news.
This page explores the value of credible news sources and provides strategies and resources to identify deceptive stories.
Article from FactCheck.org with key identifiers for spotting fake or deceptive news stories.
The following resources are regarded as reputable fact-checking organizations. Links include organizations focusing on U.S. national news, specialty sites, and fact-checking sites outside of the U.S.
A related concept to fake news is an alternative fact; an alternative interpretation of a fact, most frequently used to support a political or ideological point of view, regardless of its validity. According to William Cummings of USA Today, alternative facts are used to support claims that do not conform to objective reality.
