Facebook now prioritizes original news reporting

In a win for original news reporting from reputable media organizations, Facebook launched a change in the kinds of stories you should see in your News Feed.

Activating this much-needed update to their news algorithm comes amidst criticism of how Facebook is managing (or rather, mismanaging) other kinds of content, most notably, hate speech. In fact, some of the platforms largest advertisers are now reassessing and adjusting their business relationships with Facebook.

Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Hershey, Honda, Eddie Bauer, North Face, Levi Strauss, Ben & Jerry’s, Verizon and others are either reviewing their ad buys or they’ve already paused, pulled or significantly curtailed advertising on Facebook.

Although not a direct response to the hate speech problem, Facebook’s change to the way to pull in original news content couldn’t come at a better time. Some of what actually classified as “news” over the last several years was classified as hate speech. Cloaked as “real” news, these stories originated from non-reputable sources and crept into our News Feeds.

Facebook needs more good news — more good news in their News Feed as well as more good news about Facebook.

Read more at https://www.vindy.com/life/lifestyles/2020/07/facebook-now-prioritizes-original-news-reporting/ (may encounter paywall).