Abstract
ABSTRACT In entering the emerging literature on partisan rightwing news, this study introduces the concept of “sham journalism” to characterize activity that appropriates the trappings of reporting but practices a form of weaponized political discourse. Sham journalism tactics include polarizing blue lies, truth-indifferent bullshit and the reputational vandalism of flak that are pursued with an unswerving degree of partisan one-sidedness at the expense of even attempting ethical reporting toward public enlightenment. In sham journalism as practiced in the U.S., these tactics serve ideological ends that delegitimize political opposition and are compatible with one-party rightwing authority. I analyze Newsmax’ website as a case-study, specifically its coverage of William Barr/Donald Trump-appointed special counsel John Durham’s failed prosecution of Michael Sussmann. Newsmax’ exhibits strikingly one-sided discourse, politicized flak, and ethical lapses while, by the numbers, it relies almost exclusively on Republican Party sources including Trump-allied felons. Following Sussmann’s acquittal, Newsmax continued to refuse to educate readers toward understanding and instead inflamed unreality that exacerbates partisan division.
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