Our View: 'Fake' news doesn't live on these pages

Chatter on social media led to a story in a recent Pine Knot News about posts and the subsequent Cloquet school district administration investigation. We are cautiously encouraged that the community takes such information seriously.

It is hard to ignore social media in today’s world, as an awful lot of information is shared among neighbors and friends. But the difference between a statement on Facebook and a news story in a legitimate newspaper like this one is simple: legitimate journalists do not publish information unless such information can be verified.

Despite cries of “fake news” by people who don’t like the news that legitimate media are reporting, mainstream media such as the major television networks and most cable news networks and newspapers like the New York Times, Duluth News Tribune and our paper publish reliable, fact-checked news stories. It’s called “journalism.”

Occasionally, mistakes are made, but a legitimate news source will verify the mistake and publish a correction or retraction.

In the story about the Cloquet school teachers, hundreds of people shared their stories and comments on both Facebook and Instagram posts, making it obvious that there was a story there. So editor Jana Peterson contacted the Cloquet grad who posted the allegations, and also verified that a coach had been placed on administrative leave with Cloquet superintendent Michael Cary. If she had not been able to verify the information, the story would not have run.

Plenty of names were thrown about in the online posts. You didn’t see them in Pine Knot News unless the information attached to those names was verified.

Because it’s so easy to spread rumors and innuendo on social media, with very little accountability. We are grateful that real journalism still has a place in American society. We hope you are too.

As the November election draws near, and political sides become more aggressive in seeking votes, you can trust your local newspaper for reliable, accurate information on all issues, political or not. Be assured that you can trust us, too.