0:00:00 > 0:00:00- .
0:00:00 > 0:00:05- A spokesperson for the union - said negotiations will continue.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07- Six months have passed...
0:00:07 > 0:00:11- Well, can we believe - what we hear on the news?
0:00:11 > 0:00:16- Donald Trump complains almost - on a daily basis about fake news.
0:00:16 > 0:00:17- You are fake news.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21- Others say he was elected - on a wave of fake news.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- How do you differentiate - between truth and lies...
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- ..when you read your mobile phones - or watch TV?
0:00:30 > 0:00:33- Do you believe - everything I'm saying?
0:00:33 > 0:00:35- Is it true? Really?
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- That's true.
0:00:38 > 0:00:39- No. It's not.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42- What's true and what's not?
0:00:42 > 0:00:46- Some people think I'm having - an affair with Gavin Henson.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- It's hard to know who to believe.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54- The term fake news - is frequently used in Westminster.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- I've been on a journey - to find the fakers.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- I've gone as far - as the streets of Macedonia.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- Do you know people who do fake news?
0:01:03 > 0:01:05- Yes, yes.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- If the stories travel far, - they make money from advertising.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- I meet a Northwalian - who had a million clicks...
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- ..for a story that stopped traffic.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- I hadn't intended to make it - look real but people thought it was.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- Over a million people read that.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28- In this programme, - we look at past and present lies...
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- ..and what awaits us in the future.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- We'll see how far - a fake news story can spread.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40- As everyone shouts "fake news", - can we trust anything?
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- When I stated working - as a journalist in Cardiff...
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- ..fake news was unheard of.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- The line between truth and lies - appeared clearer then...
0:02:01 > 0:02:06- ..but there's nothing new in trying - to control what appears in the news.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09- I remember back in the '90s...
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- ..the only way - I could get information...
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- ..from the war in Yugoslavia...
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- ..was by going precisely where - the Croatian army would take me.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- This is the first time the Croatian - army has allowed journalists...
0:02:25 > 0:02:27- ..to visit the town - since it was captured.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- Also in the '90s, in China, a lot - of undercover filming was required.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- Journalists weren't welcome at all.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42- Tonight, most of these people - will go home worse off.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- They must accept - whatever Beijing has to offer.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- In the past year, much has changed
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- You can't ignore the effect - of technology and the Internet...
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- ..on Donald Trump's success.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00- Since being elected, he's used - the term 'fake news' constantly...
0:03:00 > 0:03:06- ..on Twitter, accusing newspapers - and broadcasters of lying.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- Some claim that fake news - helped Trump win the US election.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- Websites from Eastern Europe - produced fake stories...
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- ..that were extensively shared - on Facebook and Twitter.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- The news is now - under the microscope.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- You are fake news, fake news.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- Checking the legitimacy of news - is an important part of journalism.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- Newspapers and broadcasters - now employ fact checkers...
0:03:34 > 0:03:39- ..to check the facts and information - that come from all directions.
0:03:39 > 0:03:45- Last year, there was a change in the - way stories were shared on websites.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- One of the first to notice - was Elena Cresci...
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- ..an expert on social media - with The Guardian.
0:03:54 > 0:03:59- Elena, you work for The Guardian - as a fact checker.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01- What exactly is your role?
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- When I began, - an important part of my job...
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- ..was taking stories in - from our readers.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- We'll ask questions such as...
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- ..have you been affected - by events in the NHS?
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- A large part of that - was when terror attacks happened.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- It's important for us to be - accurate in what we report.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30- We can't watch a video of something - claiming to be the Paris attack...
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- ..without checking it first.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- When readers offer videos - on different stories...
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- ..what exactly do you do - to check that footage?
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- There are a few things you can do.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- For example, - with the attack in Munich...
0:04:48 > 0:04:54- ..there was a video of the man - shooting outside McDonald's.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- I checked that McDonald's branch.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- Was it the same McDonald's? - Is there even one there?
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- Sometimes when something happens...
0:05:05 > 0:05:10- ..people take photos or find videos - from other attacks and use them.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- During the Munich attack, - one reader sent us a video...
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- ..of a staged terror attack - in Manchester...
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- ..and said it was from Germany - which evidently wasn't true.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- During last year's US Elections...
0:05:27 > 0:05:32- ..did you notice a change in the way - stories were promoted globally?
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- What I noticed was websites - being established...
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- ..just to report fake news.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- These websites were set up - by teenagers in Macedonia.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- They had one goal.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- Not to get Trump elected - but to make money.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- If their stories travelled - long distances...
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- ..and most of the stories were - hyper partisan for Donald Trump...
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- ..they could make money - from the advertising...
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- ..and this happened regularly.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- In America, - politicians accused The Guardian...
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- ..and the BBC - of promoting fake news.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19- Has that phenomenon reached Britain - and British politicians?
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- I've heard Jeremy Corbyn mention it.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- It's dangerous when he says - this is fake news.
0:06:26 > 0:06:32- Politicians can't just say that a - story they don't like is fake news.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- If the facts are inaccurate, - say they're inaccurate.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- When I hear politicians say - a story is fake news...
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- ..I feel it's really scary.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- For this programme, we've organised - an experiment on fake news...
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- ..to see how fast - something can be spread.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- Do you have any advice for us?
0:06:55 > 0:07:01- You'd need someone popular, - someone well-known, a celebrity...
0:07:01 > 0:07:06- ..someone the tabloids dedicate - a lot of column inches to.
0:07:06 > 0:07:12- Someone the public have a lot - of interest in their personal life.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- What's the best way - to start the story?
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- Ooh, well. Maybe with a tweet.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- Not from the person, - that's a little suspect.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- Maybe from someone - with a big account following.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- Just be a little bit cheeky - about it...
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- ..suggest that something's happened.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39- That might do it.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- To see how quickly - fake news can be spread...
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- ..Sian Lloyd, a well-known face - with a strong Twitter presence...
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- ..has allowed us to share - a fake story about her.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- Sian is happy to be part - of the experiment...
0:07:58 > 0:08:03- ..since many fake stories about - her love life have been shared.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- In one case, - a theatre trip with colleagues...
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- ..was reported as the start - of a toy boy relationship.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- The athlete, Welshman James Baker...
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- ..just as I walked down the steps - out of the theatre...
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- ..I just happened to be with James, - laughing and talking.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- The next day, in the newspapers...
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- ..I'm having an affair - with a young, handsome mystery man.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- Who is Sian's mystery man?
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- That's not the only false story - written about Sian.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- The papers also claim that a close - friend to her is her sugar daddy...
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- ..after they were spotted together.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51- The Sunday papers claimed that David - Goldstone was Sian's sugar daddy.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- "She looked ever so comfortable - sat there in the Bentley."
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- David loved it - but he's just a dear friend to me.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- So I've had David, - who's by now 88 years old...
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- ..James Baker, - who was 25 at the time...
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- ..but never anyone in the middle.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- In a career - that's spanned many decades...
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- ..Sian has seen many changes.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- Mistakes and lies - are on the increase.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- At the start of my career...
0:09:20 > 0:09:26- ..it would have been embarrassing - if you were caught lying.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- Back in the day, politicians - didn't want to be caught out.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- The truth actually meant something.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- Over the decades - and especially since 2007...
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- ..and the popularity - of the Internet...
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- ..things have spiralled downwards - very quickly.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Former rugby player Gareth Thomas...
0:09:49 > 0:09:54- ..has agreed to share news about - Sian through his Twitter account.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- She's become engaged - to a sports star half her age.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- We'll see if anyone takes the bait - later in the programme.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- Elena will keep an eye - on how the rumour develops.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- I trained as a journalist in Cardiff - during very different times.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- Cardiff University now has a special - course to help future hacks...
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- ..recognise fake news.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- The students are in the Assembly - to learn from journalists...
0:10:24 > 0:10:25- ..and PR experts.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- How do they receive their news?
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- Like many people of my age, - we receive news from the Internet.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35- Twitter, Facebook.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- I just read stories - that interest me.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- There could be a lot out there - I'm unaware of.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- I won't click on it - unless I want to read it.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- I am relatively dependant - on what my friends share and read.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- I can tell quite easily - if something is fake news.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- I remember when Facebook had - problems with their trending page...
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- ..I heard on the news - that someone famous had died.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- I clicked on the item - and realised...
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- ..that it linked to a website - I didn't recognise.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- Sometimes they're click-bait.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- People click on them because - they want the news to be true.
0:11:15 > 0:11:21- Often, it's not the press or the - mainstream media sharing fake news.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- They come from fake websites - created in other countries.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- It's quite shocking - how much power fake news has.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- We really don't know - how powerful fake news can be.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- There's no way to assess it.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- We know that more fake news - was shared...
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- ..during Trump's campaign - than real news.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- Future journalists will have - to work harder than ever before.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- How can they avoid being tricked - into sharing lies?
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- That's the question I asked Sian - Morgan Lloyd, the course leader.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- Recognising fake news - can be difficult.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- Even seasoned journalists - and academics...
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- ..find it difficult every time.
0:12:07 > 0:12:13- We do use different methods - when we work with students.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- Google gives you the opportunity - to place a photo in Google images...
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- ..and it tells you - what Google knows about the photo.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- When it was taken - and where it was taken.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- During the Scottish Referendum - campaign...
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- ..a lot of photos - were shared online...
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- ..showing riot police in Glasgow.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- The photos had been taken in London - during the London riots.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- It shows quite clearly that if you - take a photo out of its context...
0:12:46 > 0:12:48- ..you can create fake news.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Fake news - is an international business...
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- ..which creates challenges - for journalists.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- My journey takes me to a city - with a large collection...
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- ..of fake news websites.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- I'm glad to hear - that my fellow countrymen...
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- ..helped Trump to win the election.
0:13:10 > 0:13:15- We'll also catch up - with Sian Lloyd's private life.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- First, how easy is it - to spot the difference...
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- ..between a genuine news story - and fake news?
0:13:22 > 0:13:26- Will you fare better than this crew?
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- Three sets of headlines. - What's true and what's fake?
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- These have all been on the Internet.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- Warning: Escaped Cattle Selling - Dairy Products Door To Door.
0:13:43 > 0:13:44- Fake.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45- No, no.
0:13:46 > 0:13:47- Fake?
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- Fake?- - It's not true.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50- It's true.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- It's true.- - It's not!
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- Witches Plan To Cast Mass Spell - Against Donald Trump.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57- True.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- True, definitely.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00- Fake.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01- Fake.- - It's true.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- Really?
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- Donald Trump Protestor Speaks Out.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- I Was Paid 3,500 - To Protest Trump's Rally.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11- True.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13- True.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- True.- - True.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16- Fake.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- Fake.- - It's fake.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- All wrong!
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- Does that bother you?
0:14:23 > 0:14:24- Does that bother you?- - Definitely.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- You should be wary - of the online stories.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- Is it true? Is it?
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- No, it's not!
0:14:35 > 0:14:35- .
0:15:19 > 0:15:26- Threats, belittling and vilification - were often used by spin doctors.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- Once, when Tony Blair - visited Wales...
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- ..I asked a question that wasn't - on his agenda that day.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35- Alastair Campbell was incensed.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- I was pulled to one side...
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- ..and he warned me never to do - such a thing again.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- It was an unpleasant experience - at the time...
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- ..but very common - for political correspondents.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- The process of influencing the press - was well established
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- When David Cameron - was elected Prime Minister...
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- ..he also appointed - a former journalist.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Andy Coulson stepped in...
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- ..despite problems with his former - employer the News of The World.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12- Many journalists have moved - into the world of PR and spin.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- Their job is to control the news - rather than report it.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- Guto Harri is one - who followed this path.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- At one time, - he worked alongside me in the BBC.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- Both presidents - presented themselves...
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- ..as an example of the way - decades of mistrust can be overcome.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37- He's worked as Boris Johnson's - Director of Communications...
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- ..when he was Mayor of London...
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- ..and also for the News - International group of newspapers.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- He now works for media group - Liberty Global.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- Guto, you've been on both sides - of the fence...
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- ..a journalist - and a communications director.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- How difficult was it - to cross over to the dark side?
0:16:59 > 0:17:05- It changes your perspective but - you're part of the same process.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09- You're further down - or further up the chain.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- It helped me - that I'd worked as a journalist.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- What we're trying to do - is sell stories.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21- You have to know what will come out - at the other end of the filter.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- It's been a great help to do that.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- When you crossed, - did Guto Harri the journalist...
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- ..see things that shocked him - on the other side?
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- As a journalist, - you know the difference...
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- ..between genuine people - and people who tell you...
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- ..that someone isn't available - when they are.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- I saw all kinds of nonsense...
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- ..during the days of Tony Blair - as Prime Minister.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- "War is neither imminent - nor inevitable."
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- Alun Michael as First Minister - - "Made in Wales".
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- Everyone knew it was a decision - from No.10.
0:17:58 > 0:18:04- On this side of the fence, I've - tried to avoid doing the things...
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- ..that I know - will incense journalists.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- You need their trust - you can - only trick a journalist once.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- If you do that, - they'll never trust you again.
0:18:16 > 0:18:22- If you lose that trust, you cannot - influence those people again.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- What do you make of the movement - started by President Trump...
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- ..that if he doesn't agree - with something, it's fake news?
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- The best thing about fake news...
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- ..is that it reminded us all - of what real news looks like.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- When Trump attacked Vanity Fair...
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- ..100,000 people subscribed - to the magazine.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- The New York Times is improving.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- People have realised - that there's a difference...
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- ..between reading the views - of your best friend...
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- ..and reading the views - of someone more informed.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- If you grab the big brands, - such as New York Times, CNN...
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- ..The Times and the BBC...
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- ..you'll have an antidote - to fake news.
0:19:11 > 0:19:16- Interestingly, the institutions - banned from the White House...
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- ..were those trusted, - believable news sources.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- One of the biggest threats - to traditional news brands...
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- ..is social media.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32- It's changed the way - journalists work.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- Twitter is an important weapon - in the political world.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- Westminster looks the same - as it did when I worked here...
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- ..but much has changed.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- Journalists spend - as much time on social media...
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- ..as they do in front of a camera.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54- Elliw Gwawr is BBC Cymru's - Westminster Correspondent.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- Here we are, a normal day - in Westminster, Elliw.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- What's the first thing you do in - work? Check the social media sites?
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- Yes, I must be honest.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- I switch the computer on rather - than reach for the newspapers.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14- I open Twitter to see - what the politicians have said.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- That's something I monitor - all day long.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23- To be honest, that's where people - post news and stories first.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- The Government make announcements - straight on Twitter...
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- ..to target the public directly - with their message...
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- ..before it is digested - by politicians...
0:20:35 > 0:20:41- ..and reported by the BBC - or other journalists.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- How do you check? Do you accept - that this is the truth?
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- No, never! The complete opposite.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- I'm cynical of anything - that's posted on Twitter...
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- ..whether it's by journalists - or politicians.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- If I want to post something, - I have to check the facts myself.
0:21:01 > 0:21:07- It's so easy just to post something - and think about it afterwards.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- As a journalist, I think twice - before posting anything.
0:21:12 > 0:21:19- Is fake news discussed - behind the scenes at Westminster?
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- Is America influencing Britain?
0:21:22 > 0:21:27- The term fake news is often used - in Westminster at the moment.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- We hear from people - like Jeremy Corbyn...
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- ..people within government itself...
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- ..Amber Rudd the Home Secretary - claiming that news...
0:21:37 > 0:21:43- ..from institutions they don't - particularly like is fake news.
0:21:43 > 0:21:49- It is used more often to challenge - journalism they don't like.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- It's not necessarily incorrect or - fake but they don't agree with it.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- The democratising of journalism - is happening.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- Will we need journalists - in the future?
0:22:01 > 0:22:07- People want news - they can believe and trust.
0:22:07 > 0:22:13- Something that a fake website posts - or something the public posts...
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- ..has the same value - as one tweet by the BBC.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- That's the challenge for us.
0:22:20 > 0:22:21- How do we use that?
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- How do we report - the stories quickly...
0:22:25 > 0:22:31- ..and also with the accuracy people - expect from us as journalists?
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- As we've seen, controlling - and influencing news content...
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- ..is an integral part - of the political world.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- These days, - people create their own news.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- It is claimed - that fake news websites...
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- ..helped Donald Trump - win the US Election.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- How has this happened? - The answer was a bit of a shock.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- If you, - like millions across the world...
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- ..have read stories on websites - with names such as...
0:23:03 > 0:23:08- ..USA Newsflash, USA Daily Politics, - Donald Trump News...
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- ..you've been reading words that - were written and published here.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- Veles is a small city in Macedonia.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- It has a population of 50,000 - - less than Merthyr Tydfil.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34- Recently, journalists noticed - that over 100 fake news websites...
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- ..were published from here.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- They were all targeted - at readers in America.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- The websites were set up - by the city's youngsters.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- They cornered the market - of fake news.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50- What was in the articles?
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- These were some of the headlines.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08- Writing fake news about America - is a profitable business.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13- Last year, people shared, - discussed or responded...
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- ..to fake news - about American politics...
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- ..over 10m times on Facebook.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24- Advertising revenue, not politics, - is the driving force here.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27- Since coming - to international attention...
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- ..the authors - are staying out of the limelight.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35- What do local people know about - the fake news factory in Veles?
0:24:35 > 0:24:40- I don't think that in general people - are aware of what has been going on.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45- Maybe the younger generation who - spend their time on the Internet.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- I heard - that it was something to do...
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- ..with helping Donald Trump - win the election a few months ago.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- I didn't get much publicity here - in Macedonia.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- We were more preoccupied - with other topics...
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- ..with our daily politics.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- It's good that Veles - has gained publicity...
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- ..and that the media flocked here.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13- That's the positive side.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18- Do you think it's good for Veles, - that international publicity?
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- As they say, - any type of publicity is good.
0:25:22 > 0:25:27- This might be good - for people to hear.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- I'm glad to hear - that my fellow countrymen...
0:25:31 > 0:25:33- ..helped Trump - to win the election...
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- ..but I don't know - if it's beneficial...
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- ..for the rest of the world.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- It surprises you - that there are people here...
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- ..making thousands of pounds - with fake news.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50- Well, it does, but we have - one saying in Macedonia.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- Poor people are like devils, they - can always find a way to make money.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- Maybe Donald Trump should come here.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- He should bring a portion - of the United States to Veles.
0:26:06 > 0:26:11- More from the factory of fake news - in Macedonia after the break.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- We also talk to those - who know what's going on here.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- They create fake news for fun, - and for the money.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25- Back home, what's happened to the - fake news story about Sian Lloyd?
0:26:26 > 0:26:30- First, what do you make - of these headlines?
0:26:33 > 0:26:38- Have you heard of fake news? - Do you think you can spot it?
0:26:38 > 0:26:40- Uh, maybe.
0:26:40 > 0:26:41- Some headlines.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46- Darth Vader hopes force with him - in Ukraine polls. True?
0:26:46 > 0:26:47- No.
0:26:47 > 0:26:48- Yes.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50- Yes.- - I read that somewhere.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52- True.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58- Buddhist Monk Goes On Tire Slashing - Spree After Killing Insect.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00- True. True.
0:27:01 > 0:27:02- Fake.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04- You think it's true?
0:27:04 > 0:27:06- Yes. No. I don't know.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- It's true.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14- Woman murders roommate for sending - too many Candy Crush requests.
0:27:15 > 0:27:16- That's true.
0:27:16 > 0:27:17- True.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21- True.- - She went bonkers and killed someone.
0:27:21 > 0:27:22- Fake.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- Spot-on. Three out of three. - Well done.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30- You can spot fake news. - Well done, fantastic.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32- Thank you!
0:27:32 > 0:27:32- .
0:29:12 > 0:29:12- Subtitles
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:29:17 > 0:29:20- This put the country of Macedonia - on the map.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- That's the good thing about this.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25- It did more - for the country's profile...
0:29:26 > 0:29:30- ..than many other things - over a longer period of time.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35- More importantly, the youngsters - didn't break any Macedonian laws.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40- You're confident - that these were individuals...
0:29:40 > 0:29:44- ..and they weren't influenced, - as many suggest...
0:29:44 > 0:29:48- ..by Russia trying to influence - the US Election.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54- I'm 100% sure that Russia had - no influence on events in Veles...
0:29:54 > 0:29:56- ..or Macedonia.
0:29:57 > 0:30:03- Rumours could have spread that one - individual had made money from this.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- That news would have reached - his friends.
0:30:10 > 0:30:11- Have you heard from Mr Trump?
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- Have you heard from Mr Trump?- - No, but he might need us...
0:30:14 > 0:30:16- ..for the next election.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- ..for the next election.- - Thank you very much. Thank you.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30- I've spoken to those involved - with fake news in Veles.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34- Talk to them about Donald Trump and - they rub their hands and laugh...
0:30:34 > 0:30:36- ..but they won't be interviewed.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- Hardly anyone - wanted to speak openly.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- Can you talk to us about Veles?
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- They know, that despite not - breaking any laws in Macedonia...
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- ..if they operated - in other countries...
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- ..they would attract - legal attention.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01- Some young people were happy - to share their experiences...
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- ..of what's happened here.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- Do you know people who do fake news?
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- Do you know people who do fake news?- - Yes, yes.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09- They make a lot of money.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13- Youngsters are well aware - of the situation.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- They know precisely how it works.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- What sort of fake stories - do they tell?
0:31:20 > 0:31:23- Various about politics.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- About celebrities.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32- They do it out of fun - but mainly for money.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- According to - the international press...
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- ..male teenagers - create the fake stories.
0:31:38 > 0:31:44- These girls know it's an industry - which offers equal opportunities.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46- Girls, boys?
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- Average people, ordinary people.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51- Girls and boys?
0:31:51 > 0:31:53- Yes.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- What are they going to do next? - Trump is old news.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03- With celebrities, singers, actors.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07- I heard yesterday...
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- ..that Miley Cyrus was killed - in her apartment.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- Like every industry, - the world of fake news must adapt.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24- Donald Trump - and right-wing politics...
0:32:24 > 0:32:28- ..have so far generated - the profits and headlines.
0:32:28 > 0:32:33- Left-wing politics and European - Elections are also getting involved.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35- From what I've seen here...
0:32:35 > 0:32:39- ..Veles' fakers are turning their - sight to the world of celebrity.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47- That's where we turn next - with our special experiment...
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- ..to see how far - we can spread fake news.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- News of Sian Lloyd's love life...
0:32:53 > 0:32:59- ..was published on Gareth Thomas' - Twitter page some time ago.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- There has been a lot of interest.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07- Someone's written, "Gareth, you - tease, spill the beans. Who is it?"
0:33:08 > 0:33:10- For some reason...
0:33:10 > 0:33:15- ..lots of people think I'm having - an affair with Gavin Henson.
0:33:20 > 0:33:25- This is fantastic. "If it's Alex - Cuthbert, he'll probably drop her."
0:33:27 > 0:33:29- As well as the general public...
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- ..journalists have reacted - by contacting Sian's agent.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38- "We've heard a rumour - that Sian Lloyd has got engaged..
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- "..to a famous Welsh sports star.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- "Are you able to confirm - whether this is true?
0:33:44 > 0:33:49- "Do you have further information - you can publicly reveal?"
0:33:50 > 0:33:56- We have one of the country's - main newspaper groups on the case.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59- The story is gathering momentum.
0:34:00 > 0:34:05- I contacted Elena Cresci - in The Guardian's newsroom.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- I spoke to our fake news expert...
0:34:09 > 0:34:13- ..before things - spiralled out of control.
0:34:13 > 0:34:19- Well, the original tweet - had 70 likes.
0:34:20 > 0:34:26- Some newsrooms have contacted - Sian's agent about the story.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28- We know of at least one...
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- ..and we know of two newsrooms - that have seen the story.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- As broadcasters, - we have to be responsible.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38- We can't push it further.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42- If we did, - what would be the next step?
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- The first problem - is the story's topic.
0:34:46 > 0:34:51- There is a reason that these - fake news sites in Macedonia...
0:34:51 > 0:34:55- ..chose stories about Donald Trump - and Hillary Clinton.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00- The election in America - was an emotive subject.
0:35:00 > 0:35:06- We see the same with stories - that are Islamophobic.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11- We've done most of this story - on Twitter.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14- More people are on Facebook...
0:35:14 > 0:35:19- ..but it's difficult - to share something like this...
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- ..from a small Facebook page...
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- ..and get it shared further.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29- You need a huge Facebook page.
0:35:29 > 0:35:35- How would you get one of - the Facebook pages you mentioned...
0:35:36 > 0:35:38- ..to generate their interest - in the story?
0:35:38 > 0:35:44- We've seen popular Facebook pages - being bought...
0:35:44 > 0:35:48- ..by people who want to do this.
0:35:49 > 0:35:55- They buy all the likes and change - the name of the Facebook page.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58- What about the future of fake news?
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- Where's it all going?
0:36:01 > 0:36:06- I'm worried that more and more - people won't know what to believe...
0:36:06 > 0:36:10- ..and they'll believe - what they want to believe.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15- That's officially - the end of the experiment.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20- I can confirm that Sian Lloyd - isn't engaged to a rugby player...
0:36:21 > 0:36:23- ..but the fake news continues.
0:36:24 > 0:36:29- Journalists across the world - are concerned about fake news.
0:36:29 > 0:36:35- In Part 3, we'll look - at unique problems for Welsh news.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39- We'll meet the man from Buckley - who got a million clicks...
0:36:39 > 0:36:41- ..for a story that stopped traffic.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46- I hadn't intended to make it look - real but people thought it was.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- Over a million people read it - in 24 hours.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54- First, some more stories - but which one is fake?
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- We're discussing fake news.
0:37:00 > 0:37:06- I'll read you a set of headlines. - These appeared on the Internet.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- Hefty fine for ignoring - 'Do not knock' sign.
0:37:09 > 0:37:10- Is that true?
0:37:10 > 0:37:11- Is that true?- - No.
0:37:12 > 0:37:13- Yeah, go on.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15- Yeah, go on.- - No. Fake.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17- It's true.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- Rio to ban cosmetic surgery... - for pets.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- Fake.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24- Um... fake.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26- Fake.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- It's true.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- Isis Leader Calls For American - Muslim Voters To Support Hillary.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35- I don't think so.
0:37:35 > 0:37:36- Fake.
0:37:37 > 0:37:38- No.
0:37:38 > 0:37:39- No.- - Fake.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- Fake. Correct.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- You spotted one but not the others. - How do you feel?
0:37:44 > 0:37:46- Disappointed.
0:37:47 > 0:37:47- .
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- According to Dylan Iorwerth, - there are obvious dangers.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01- What's become more of a problem - for me...
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- ..is seeing more and more people - willing to peddle lies.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- There are those who believe - that their job...
0:40:09 > 0:40:13- ..is to defend their interests - whatever the consequences...
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- ..as long as it exonerates them - at the time.
0:40:17 > 0:40:22- That leads to an increase - in fake news stories.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27- They think that it's OK to do it - if people will believe you.
0:40:27 > 0:40:32- You can't deny that the desire for - money is at the root of many things.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- You can make money - from publishing fake news.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41- One answer would be - to expand Welsh journalism.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- Lecturer Ifan Morgan Jones - is raising money...
0:40:44 > 0:40:49- ..to fund an online English-language - news service for Wales.
0:40:50 > 0:40:56- The idea is to provide - a not-for-profit news service...
0:40:57 > 0:41:02- ..which is funded by voluntary - donations, advertisements...
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- ..and people writing voluntarily - for the website...
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- ..and contributing what they can.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12- I hope the website can grow into - a worthwhile journalistic resource.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- If we all rely on Facebook bubbles - for our news...
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- ..where we only see views - that suit us...
0:41:20 > 0:41:25- ..according to Ifan, future debates - will become more divisive.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30- The recent fall-out about Ysgol - Llangennech is evidence of that.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33- This was Llangennech - back in February.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- A protest against closing - the school's English stream...
0:41:38 > 0:41:42- ..to turn it into a Welsh-medium - school from September.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- There was a Facebook page opposing - the changes in Llangennech.
0:41:48 > 0:41:55- The members were reiterating each - other's opposition to the changes.
0:41:55 > 0:42:00- Previously, this conversation would - have happened on a social level...
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- ..within the community.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07- People would have heard opposite - views to theirs in the community...
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- ..and they might not have been - so opposed to the changes.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- Even discussions about - local politics are changing...
0:42:15 > 0:42:17- ..because of global influences.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23- Here's one final story, a preview - of what could happen in the future.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26- Yes, this really did happen.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31- Even humorous websites - are being dragged into the debate.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35- Lots of people have set up websites - to poke fun...
0:42:35 > 0:42:40- ..but people read them without - realising that it's all a joke.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- Ben is one - who's already taken that step.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47- He set up a humorous website - called Warped Wales.
0:42:48 > 0:42:53- The purpose of it was to make - as many people laugh as possible...
0:42:53 > 0:42:57- ..to take what's topical in the area - or wider...
0:42:57 > 0:43:00- ..and to mix a bit of humour - into it as well.
0:43:00 > 0:43:05- A bit of irony and sarcasm - and people have really taken to it.
0:43:05 > 0:43:12- Some people don't see the joke and - share the articles as news stories.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16- My intentions were to make it - openly funny from the outset.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20- I didn't want to deceive anyone - into thinking it was real.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24- I soon realised that it - didn't matter what I write...
0:43:24 > 0:43:27- ..somebody somewhere - will think it's real.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29- It doesn't matter - how absurd it is...
0:43:29 > 0:43:32- ..there is somebody - who will think it's real.
0:43:32 > 0:43:37- There was a story about Donald - Trump setting up a points system...
0:43:37 > 0:43:41- ..for accepting people - from different countries.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44- I wrote a story - about setting up a system...
0:43:44 > 0:43:46- ..for accepting shoppers - from Wrexham.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50- I wanted to limit - how many people from Wrexham...
0:43:50 > 0:43:52- ..were coming into the city.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56- Somebody put, "I wanted to go - to B&M in Chester on Saturday.
0:43:56 > 0:43:59- "How can - I get around this visa thing?"
0:43:59 > 0:44:00- What? Are you serious?!
0:44:01 > 0:44:06- One story Ben wrote last year - was read over a million times.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09- It created a stir.
0:44:09 > 0:44:15- The article claimed that a Pokemon - GO battle had broken out on the M56.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18- Because of the way - I'd written the headline...
0:44:18 > 0:44:23- ..I hadn't intended to make it look - real, but people thought it was.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26- People were avoiding the M56...
0:44:26 > 0:44:30- ..because they thought - there was a lot of congestion...
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- ..because of this Pokemon GO battle.
0:44:33 > 0:44:35- People were reporting it - on the radio.
0:44:36 > 0:44:42- In hindsight I realised - that it looked real on social media.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45- It has also exposed a group - of Internet users...
0:44:45 > 0:44:48- ..in Wales and across the UK...
0:44:48 > 0:44:54- ..that won't fact check, they won't - look into things properly.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57- They will share things - at face value.
0:44:57 > 0:45:01- It's had a positive effect - because people are interested...
0:45:02 > 0:45:05- ..in reading the content - because they find it funny...
0:45:05 > 0:45:09- ..but it has exposed the way - that people use the Internet.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14- For the short time I've been - away from the news desk...
0:45:14 > 0:45:18- ..I've been surprised by the scale - and complexity of fake news.
0:45:19 > 0:45:23- It includes articles written - by youngsters in Macedonia...
0:45:24 > 0:45:28- ..to try and grab American - interest and advertising clicks...
0:45:28 > 0:45:33- ..along with jokes from Wales - which confuse one or a million.
0:45:33 > 0:45:37- This world is growing - and becoming more complex...
0:45:37 > 0:45:41- ..as technology becomes simpler - and easier to use.
0:45:43 > 0:45:46- If you want to become - a journalist these days...
0:45:46 > 0:45:50- ..all you need is a mobile phone - and the Internet.
0:45:50 > 0:45:52- You can then broadcast to the world.
0:45:52 > 0:45:57- Democratising the news is exciting - offering new opportunities in Wales.
0:45:57 > 0:46:01- It all goes hand in hand - with an explosion in fake news.
0:46:01 > 0:46:06- There's nothing new in trying - to influence news content...
0:46:07 > 0:46:10- ..and there are financial gains - for writing lies.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14- It's difficult - for large technology companies...
0:46:14 > 0:46:16- ..to stay ahead of the fakers.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25- There are big changes afoot...
0:46:25 > 0:46:30- ..but the work of collecting - and presenting news continues.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33- If you don't know who to trust...
0:46:33 > 0:46:37- ..new faces and brands - might be a welcome change.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41- Next, a look at some of the stories - outside Wales.
0:47:25 > 0:47:27- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:47:28 > 0:47:28- .