The image of Rubén Gisbert, a contributor to ‘Horizonte‘, Iker Jiménez’s programme, kneeling down to get muddy before a television broadcast, has put the spotlight on all the hoaxes circulating around DANA‘s coverage. Some take advantage of the confusion to spread lies about the catastrophe.
Faced with this avalanche of hoaxes, journalist Iñaki López threw a dart at Gisbert. «I didn’t know him, but Stephen King doesn’t write these horror novels either. I also saw him crying in front of a garage, suspecting that there were dead people inside,” said the Biscay presenter of ’Más Vale Tarde’.
López previewed some content that will be broadcast in the program ‘Conspiranoicos’, which will deal with the lies that have been generated around DANA.
The “fake news” broadcast by Iker Jiménez and his program “Horizonte” was also highly criticized. The Basque journalist even went so far as to state that “there are many bodies in the Bonaire car park. Many bodies. Many.” However, no bodies were found in the parking lot. Despite this, Jiménez did not apologize for lying to spectators.
On Wednesday, it was El Gran Wyoming that attacked Jiménez and his program. “We have discovered that mud is the best soil where hoaxes are born,” said the presenter of ‘El Intermedio’, who turned to the camera to ask that “we take care of the truth, in spite of the disinformation”.
«Many of them come from groups linked to the far right who try to destabilize the situation because they earn their living from this. Other times the hoaxes come from people who pretend to be informed, but who are only looking for notoriety or make a bad deal at the expense of a few likes,” he warned.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on DANA Coverage Hoaxes
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the most pressing issues of our time! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Maria Torres, a media analyst and expert in misinformation, particularly as it relates to natural disasters. Dr. Torres, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Maria Torres (DMT): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: We’ve all been captivated by the recent imagery of Rubén Gisbert, the contributor to Iker Jiménez’s programme ‘Horizonte’, who was seen kneeling in muddy waters before a broadcast on DANA’s coverage. What does this moment tell us about the landscape of media and misinformation during natural disasters?
DMT: That image is quite striking, isn’t it? It encapsulates a larger trend where sensationalism can overshadow the serious narratives of disaster coverage. While Gisbert may have intended to convey authenticity, it also raises questions about the ethics of media presentation during emergencies and how visuals can be manipulated or interpreted.
TNE: We’re seeing a lot of hoaxes circulating around the DANA (DANA stands for “Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos”, a Spanish weather phenomenon). Can you elaborate on some of the most common hoaxes that emerge during such events?
DMT: Absolutely. During disasters, misinformation often spreads rapidly. We see hoaxes ranging from exaggerated statistics about damages or casualties to fabricated footage claiming to show the effects of the event. Additionally, some individuals manipulate genuine images from past disasters, claiming they are from the current event, which can create confusion and amplify fear among the public.
TNE: It’s alarming how quickly misinformation can spread. In your opinion, what are the best strategies for the public to combat such false narratives, especially in the wake of a disaster?
DMT: Education is key. First, individuals should verify the source of the information. Trusted outlets or local authorities should be their go-to sources. Second, using fact-checking websites can provide clarity on viral claims. Lastly, fostering critical thinking within communities can help individuals assess the validity of the information they encounter.
TNE: And what role do media outlets have in ensuring accurate coverage?
DMT: Media outlets bear a significant responsibility. They must prioritize fact-checking and transparency in their reporting. Editors should be cautious about sensational imagery and narratives that can mislead audiences. Collaborating with experts on the ground can also enrich the reporting, ensuring they highlight not just the drama but the real human impacts of such disasters.
TNE: It’s a delicate balance, certainly. How can audiences encourage responsible journalism?
DMT: Audiences have power! By supporting media organizations that uphold journalistic integrity, sharing credible information, and holding outlets accountable for misinformation, the public can advocate for a higher standard. Engaging in dialogues about the importance of accurate information can also help raise awareness.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for shedding light on this crucial topic. As we navigate through the complexities of media during disasters, your insights are invaluable.
DMT: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important issue. It’s vital that we all stay informed and responsible, especially in challenging times.
TNE: Absolutely. That’s it for today. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and remember that accurate information saves lives. Thank you for tuning in, and see you next time!