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Facebook unveils the first of its funded news shows

Patrick Devaney

Patrick Devaney

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Facebook has been awash with scandal for quite some time now. From fake news to data leaks, the social network has done a lot to make the world a worse place than it was before Facebook came along. The service has even been banned by one country that wants to test the negative effects social media is having on its citizens. Facebook has been telling us that it is working to counter the many crises it faces, and one particular initiative will come to fruition this summer. In a bid to counter the spread of fake news, Facebook Watch will begin broadcasting funded news programs.

Facebook unveils the first of its funded news shows
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Facebook Watch is Facebook’s video tab that has been around in the U.S. since last September. The tab offers users access to well-produced video content, and this latest announcement from Facebook means users will soon be able to tune into current event news programs also.

https://www.facebook.com/facebookwatch/videos/1691576720925605/

Facebook is creating a dedicated section for news shows that have been produced exclusively for the social network. The content will come from a host of award-winning journalists and well-known media outlets. Facebook is promising to showcase a mix of daily briefings, deep dives into important topics, and live breaking news coverage. There will be more shows announced in the run-up to launch, later this summer, but for now, Facebook has released the first batch of news shows that users will be able to tune into on Facebook Watch:

  • ABC News’ “On Location” [wt] is a daily news show with ABC News journalists from around the globe delivering on-the-ground reporting and the top headlines that are driving the day.
  • Advance Local’s “Chasing Corruption” In Alabama Media Group’s Chasing Corruption’s weekly series, host Ian Hoppe and the Reckon by AL.com team travel across the USA to meet some of America’s toughest watchdog journalists — and the stories of conspiracy, bribery, fraud and more they’ve uncovered.
  • ATTN:’s “Undivided ATTN:” is a weekly explainer show that breaks down the biggest issue of the week. In 3-5 minute episodes hosted by a rotating cast of social influencers, Undivided ATTN: will provide context on the stories everybody’s talking about.
  • CNN’s “Anderson Cooper Full Circle” is a daily global brief on the world, M-F evenings featuring Anderson Cooper and a roster of guests. The interactive program will air live from Anderson’s New York City newsroom in mobile-friendly vertical video.
  • FOX News’ “Fox News Update” will focus on up-to-the minute breaking news and the most compelling stories of the day. FNC’s chief news anchor Shepard Smith will report the latest news each weekday afternoon, with Carley Shimkus updating viewers every morning. Additionally, Abby Huntsman will provide the latest headlines once each morning throughout the weekend.
  • Mic’s “Mic Dispatch” reveals the world as we see it: complicated, diverse and full of potential. Mic correspondents on this new, twice-weekly show go beyond the headlines to profile the underrepresented, the problem-solvers and the provocateurs.”
  • Univision’s “Real America with Jorge Ramos” Award-winning journalist, anchor and author Jorge Ramos travels the country to talk to immigrants of diverse backgrounds and situations, delivering a rarely covered view of today’s America from their perspective. Univision will also cover the top stories in Spanish at noon every day on Watch with “Noticiero Univision Edición Digital.”

Facebook has also confirmed that all of the shows will be completely independent of Facebook with the creators retaining full editorial control.

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From this summer on, you’ll be able to watch well-produced and independent news programs right there on Facebook. The plan is for you to be able to access news on local as well as national and international issues.

Image via: Mail&Guardian

Are you happy with this development? Do you think it will counter the spread of fake news across social networks? Let us know in the comments.

Patrick Devaney

Patrick Devaney

Patrick Devaney is a news reporter for Softonic, keeping readers up to date on everything affecting their favorite apps and programs. His beat includes social media apps and sites like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Twitter, YouTube, and Snapchat. Patrick also covers antivirus and security issues, web browsers, the full Google suite of apps and programs, and operating systems like Windows, iOS, and Android.

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