NBC’s Ben Collins spreads terrorist propaganda after Gaza ‘hospital’ is ‘bombed’
NBC News’s Ben Collins
What happened: Ben Collins, the self-proclaimed expert on “disinformation, extremism, and the internet” at NBC News, fell victim to extremist disinformation circulating online.
A hospital: Collins expressed outrage in response to a (false) claim made by Palestinian officials that an Israeli airstrike had killed hundreds of civilians in a Gaza hospital.
Fact check: Evidence shows that a rocket malfunctioned and landed in a parking lot near the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza, fired by the terrorist group Islamic Jihad.
Collins’ assertion: Despite lacking evidence, Collins continued to insist that hundreds had died in the hospital.
Be smart: The actual number of casualties resulting from the Islamic Jihad rocket incident remains unknown, as Palestinian officials are known for spreading disinformation.
Why it matters: Collins and other mainstream media reporters have long complained about the dangers of disinformation, yet they easily fall prey to false narratives that align with their preconceived beliefs, such as Israel deliberately targeting hospitals and Palestinian officials being incapable of lying.
Fun fact: Collins was previously honored with “special recognition for incisive reporting from the trenches of the information war” at the 2023 Walter Cronkite Awards for Excellence in Television Political Journalism.
What they’re saying: Manhattan Institute fellow Christopher Rufo criticized “disinformation reporters” who aspire to become internet censors, deciding what is true or false, while consistently spreading false and malicious information that leans leftward.
“Maybe one good way to determine if a story is valid is to ignore Ben Collins,” wrote Philip Klein, editor of National Review Online.
Bottom line: Never place blind trust in journalists, especially those who claim expertise in disinformation.
How did Ben Collins’ false tweet about the conflict in Gaza contribute to the spread of disinformation?
Ensive disinformation himself after sharing a tweet that spread false information about the recent conflict in Gaza. In his now-deleted tweet, Collins shared a video showing what he described as an Israeli airstrike on a hospital in Gaza. However, it was soon revealed that the video was from 2018 and had nothing to do with the recent conflict.
Why it matters: In today’s digital age, the spread of disinformation has become a significant concern. Journalists and news outlets should be at the forefront of combating this issue by fact-checking and verifying information before sharing it with the public. However, Collins’ actions highlight the dangers of failing to adhere to these principles and the potential consequences of spreading false information, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like conflicts and terrorism.
The impact of false information: In this case, Collins’ false tweet had the potential to spread fear, anger, and misinformation. By erroneously reporting an Israeli airstrike on a hospital, Collins contributed to the perception that Israel deliberately targets civilian infrastructure, which is often used as terrorist propaganda. This further fuels the narrative of victimhood that terrorist organizations exploit to justify their actions and garner support.
It is crucial to recognize that the dissemination of disinformation can have real-world consequences. People rely on news outlets for accurate and reliable information, and those who fail to uphold these standards harm society’s ability to make well-informed decisions. In the context of conflicts such as the one in Gaza, spreading false information can exacerbate tensions, undermine efforts towards peace, and perpetuate a cycle of violence.
The responsibility of journalists: Journalists hold a significant responsibility in providing the public with truthful and verified information. In an era of social media, where anyone can be a news source, it is even more critical to uphold journalistic integrity. Fact-checking, multiple source verification, and responsible reporting should be the guiding principles for journalists, ensuring that only accurate and unbiased information reaches the public.
Collins’ actions highlight the need for news organizations to take steps to prevent and address misinformation within their ranks. Proper training, strict editorial policies, and transparent corrections are essential to maintaining public trust and credibility. Furthermore, news outlets should encourage a culture of caution and skepticism among their journalists, promoting the importance of thorough research before sharing any information.
Conclusion: The incident involving Ben Collins at NBC News serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism in the digital age. Journalists have a duty to fact-check and verify information before sharing it with the public, particularly when it involves sensitive topics like conflicts and terrorism. The spread of disinformation can have dire consequences, perpetuating false narratives, exacerbating tensions, and hindering efforts towards peace. News organizations must prioritize truthful reporting, establish rigorous editorial policies, and foster a culture of skepticism to combat the threat of misinformation and ensure the public’s ability to make well-informed decisions.
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