Forum Topic

Epoch Times

A couple of days ago someone hand-delivered to my address a copy of a broadsheet newspaper calling itself The Epoch Times.  The issue consists entirely (16 pages) of anti-China articles. I'm wondering how many people on this Forum received it, and if they did, what their reactions were. We've grown used to the pro-Russia  "news" programme on TV, but this seems to break new propaganda ground. Any thoughts?

Alexander MacLeod ● 1960d7 Comments

The loss of effective local journalism has had a serious effect on holding local authorities to account. In the past the letters page of the Wandsworth Guardian or other local paper could bring an official response from the council. Writing emails, posting complaints on Twitter or even voicing criticisms or concerns on forums (fora?) such as this now seem to be routinely ignored. Any ideas on possible solutions?  Public e-petitions may be one way but they rarely get off the ground unless it’s something a lot of people are already concerned about.

Jonathan Callaway ● 1959d

Looks pretty pointless. Sad that these people have the money to send hard copies of their lunacy in SouthWest London, when no local publisher can afford to produce and distribute a local newspaper in hard copy.

David Ainsworth ● 1960d

Yes, the US pro-Trump origins are obvious, but I too wonder who is funding such a promotion here in the UK, and what they hope to achieve.

Alexander MacLeod ● 1960d

we got it too, wikipedia says it supports far right politicians and promotes anti vax and QAnon conspiracy theories.how on earth did such drivel end up here?The Epoch Times is a far-right international multi-language newspaper and media company affiliated with the Falun Gong new religious movement, based in the United States. The Epoch Times opposes the Chinese Communist Party, and promotes far-right politicians in Europe,and backs President Donald Trump in the U.S.; a 2019 report by NBC News showed it to be the second-largest funder of pro-Trump Facebook advertising after the Trump campaign. The Epoch Media Group's news sites and YouTube channels have spread conspiracy theories such as QAnon and anti-vaccination propaganda.

Matt Palmer ● 1960d

But a paper copy! How delightfully retro.

David Ainsworth ● 1960d

I got it too and took a look. Very tendentious stuff. Ideal recycling and if we had a cat would make a great lining for the cat litter tray.

Jonathan Callaway ● 1960d

I got it. Didn't read it but wondered who was funding what was a very expensive looking bit of print both in quality and what must be high print-run.

Freddie Francis ● 1960d