House panel to probe conspiracy theories in the news

A House panel plans to examine whether traditional media like cable and network news organizations are creating a “tangible and destabilizing threat” to the country by relying on conspiracy theories.

The hearing was prompted by events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the Jan. 6 insurrection, according to two leading congressmen.

The Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hear from media experts at 12:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 24 about the role disinformation and extremism plays in the reporting done by broadcast news and cable news organizations.

“The spread of disinformation and extremism by traditional news media presents a tangible and destabilizing threat,” said Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) and the subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) in a statement announcing the hearing.

“Some broadcasters’ and cable networks’ increasing reliance on conspiracy theories and misleading or patently false information raises questions about their devotion to journalistic integrity,” they added.

The communications and technology subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes electronic communications transmitted via broadcasts, cable, and satellite as well as other modes, as well as the Federal Communications Commission.

Updated 7:38 p.m.