Onion now a reputable news source?

In summary, two Bangladeshi newspapers, the Daily Manab Zamin and the New Nation, have published an article from a satirical US website claiming that the Moon landings were faked. The article stated that US astronaut Neil Armstrong had admitted to the hoax during a news conference. However, the newspapers later realized that the website, The Onion, was not a legitimate news source and have apologized for not fact-checking before publishing the story. This incident is not the first time a media outlet has been fooled by The Onion, as a newspaper in China fell for a similar prank in the past. The newspapers in Bangladesh have faced criticism for their lack of fact-checking and relying on unreliable sources.
  • #1
cristo
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
8,146
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Well, at least in Bangladesh it is!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8237558.stm

Two Bangladeshi newspapers have apologised after publishing an article taken from a satirical US website which claimed the Moon landings were faked.

The Daily Manab Zamin said US astronaut Neil Armstrong had shocked a news conference by saying he now knew it had been an "elaborate hoax".

Neither they nor the New Nation, which later picked up the story, realized the Onion was not a genuine news site.

Both have now apologised to their readers for not checking the story.

"We thought it was true so we printed it without checking," associate editor Hasanuzzuman Khan told the AFP news agency.

"We didn't know the Onion was not a real news site."

The article said Mr Armstrong had told a news conference he had been "forced to reconsider every single detail of the monumental journey after watching a few persuasive YouTube videos and reading several blog posts" by a conspiracy theorist.
 
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  • #2
<snork>
 
  • #3
Funny! Pretty soon they will be quoting The Turnip as well.
 
  • #4
Some newspaper in China made the same mistake a few years ago. I think this is the article that fooled them:

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/27828

They blamed their stupidity on The Onion for being meanie-heads and tricking them.
 
  • #5
"We thought it was true so we printed it without checking..."

Jesus Christ...
 

Related to Onion now a reputable news source?

1. What makes The Onion a reputable news source?

The Onion is known for its satirical and humorous content, but it also employs a team of professional journalists who fact-check and research their stories. They also have won multiple awards for their journalism, further solidifying their reputation as a reliable source of news.

2. How can I trust the information from The Onion?

The Onion clearly labels their content as satire and uses exaggerated and absurd themes to present their news stories. They also have a disclaimer stating that their content is not intended to be taken seriously. However, their team of journalists ensures that the facts presented in their stories are accurate.

3. Is The Onion biased in their reporting?

As a satirical news source, The Onion does have a bias towards humor and entertainment. However, they do not have a political or ideological agenda and often poke fun at both sides of the political spectrum. They also provide a diverse range of content, covering various topics and perspectives.

4. Can I use information from The Onion in my research or academic work?

While The Onion may not be a traditional news source, it can still be used for research or academic purposes. Their articles often contain accurate facts and statistics, which can be verified through external sources. However, it is important to consider the satirical nature of their content when using it in a serious context.

5. Does The Onion ever publish real news stories?

Yes, The Onion occasionally publishes real news stories alongside their satirical content. These stories are labeled as "American Voices" and are based on actual news events. However, they are still presented in a humorous manner and should not be taken as serious journalism.

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