Japan newspapers vow to fight ‘fake news’

Amid the continuing dissemination of inaccurate and distorted information, the 70th National Newspaper Convention adopted a resolution pledging that newspapers will “contribute to people living safely and with peace of mind, and aim to realise a free and peaceful society, through free speech and a free press.”

The resolution also called for a reduced tax rate to be applied to newspapers when the consumption tax rate hike is implemented.

The convention was hosted by the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association.

Prior to the adoption of the resolution, association Chairman Kojiro Shiraishi, who also is chairman of the board of The Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings, talked about the increasing number of people who do not read newspapers.

“It’s important to encourage such people to pick up the newspaper and help them feel an affinity for it,” Shiraishi said.

He stressed the importance of such activities as Newspapers in Education (NIE) programs.

Panelists at a round-table discussion spoke on the theme of “Various problems the newspaper industry faces — fighting the ‘fake.’” One panelist said, “The most effective measure is to pursue journalism based on first-hand reporting.”