Annual Teddy Chester Lecture: Evidence and policy in a world of fake news

26 Oct 2018

Martin McKee, Professor of European Public Health at the London School of Hygiene, explores the origins of ‘fake news’ and traces examples of this phenomenon from the French Revolution to today’s Trump/Brexit-era

With the rapid spread of disinformation – information purposely created to deceive people – Professor McKee also looks at the role social media plays in propagating this disinformation and asks why the public is so susceptible to it. The lecture will look at cases where effective healthcare has been delayed or prevented as a result, taking the outbreak of Measles as an example. 

‘Misinformation’, ‘disinformation’ and ‘fake news’ are all terms that are used interchangeably but Professor McKee argues that it’s time for the government to abandon the term ‘fake news’ and, instead, help the public to better understand the distinction between these terms. 

McKee shares his advice and suggests communication methods to adopt to overcome these obstacles in the healthcare arena.

There is no charge to attend this event but registration is required.

The lecture will take place on Wednesday, 7 November, from 5.15pm-7.30pm at Alliance Manchester Business School.