How Stealth Partisan Outlets Exploit Trust in Local Journalism

New research from Carnegie Mellon University's Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science reveals that partisan media operations spent millions on social media ads ahead of key elections to promote 'pink slime' websites—sites that masquerade as local news sources to sway voters. The study found that these operations strategically targeted battleground states and used the credibility of local journalism to push partisan content. This matters because it erodes public trust in legitimate local news and can influence electoral outcomes. The findings underscore the need for greater transparency in online political advertising and media literacy efforts. As digital disinformation evolves, voters must critically assess the sources behind local-looking news.