Speaking after the announcement that Jimmy Wales is planning a 'Wikitribune' news service that will combine the work of professional journalists and volunteers to offer "factual and neutral" articles, the Society of Editors called on UK-based media and emerging media companies to do more to guarantee the future of quality journalism.
Ian Murray, Deputy Executive Director of the Society of Editors said: "Following plans announced earlier this month by Facebook, Google and Ebay to dedicate funds to tackling fake news, the Society of Editors welcomes this further commitment by Jimmy Wales to ensuring the long-term viability of quality journalism.
"As we have witnessed over the past year, there appears to be a direct correlation between a spike in fake news and big news events. In the run-up to the UK General Election on 8 June it is essential that in order to make informed decision, consumers of news are directed to legitimate and credible UK news sources.
"Fake News is not a phenomenon confined to the United States and the Society of Editors would welcome additional and similar commitments by technology and emerging media companies operating in the UK."
The Wikitribune service is intended to be both ad-free and free-to-read, so will rely on supporters making regular donations.
