‘Pseudo-journalism’: Researchers warn ‘pink slime’ outlets are targeting US midterms with partisan content

Researchers have raised concerns over "pink slime" websites that are allegedly targeting US midterm elections with biased or false content. These partisan sites, which often masquerade as independent local news outlets, have been secretly funded by political groups on both sides of the spectrum. The Senate Leadership Fund, a Republican-backed organization, is behind the launch of the North Carolinian, a site focused on opposing Democrat Roy Cooper's US Senate campaign and promoting his Republican opponent, Michael Whatley.

These "pink slime" outlets have surged in recent years, outnumbering American newspapers and posing a threat to trust in traditional media. NewsGuard, a disinformation watchdog, has identified 21 such sites this year, bringing the total to 1,179. Two major networks, One Nation and the American Independent, spent over $801,500 on advertising on Facebook and Instagram to promote their articles in the first eight months of the year.

The proliferation of these sites is attributed to the ease of producing content using AI tools. These "pink slime" websites are viewed as "pseudo-journalism" by experts, who warn that they create biased narratives and undermine trust in journalistic integrity. The decline of local newspapers, many of which have shut down or laid off staff due to financial struggles, exacerbates the issue as people turn to these partisan sites for their news.