Media vs. Entertainment: Fooled by Satire Sites, NFL & Super Bowl

What’s the difference between media and entertainment? If we can be fooled by satire sites, can “entertainment” networks—or even the NFL and Super Bowl—also not be completely real? In today’s world of social media and the information superhighway, news and information get out to the public faster than the Roadrunner or Speedy Gonzales. However, although it’s important to get news out as quickly as possible, there’s an increasing problem with information being incorrect, being deliberate disinformation, spreading misinformation, or being lazily promoted without fact checking of sources.

Fake news pieces have been circulating on social media lately without clearly being labeled as satire, as well. Ironically, Kid Rock and Jason Aldean were accused of canceling their tour, “You Can’t Cancel America,” but the news originated from a satire site, America’s Last Line of Defence. The group’s Facebook page says they’re a troll media and satire news, so everything is made up! But not everyone realizes it when they spread non-facts like: Keanu Reeves not accepting an award from Whoopi Goldberg, Forrest Gump actor Gary Sinise saying bad things about Tom Hanks, and rumors about The View.

In all the confusion, the mainstream media has been given more fuel to report how dangerous “fake news” is. Is it all for entertainment? Speaking of entertainment, some curious internet researchers found that the NFL is listed as an “entertainment organization” rather than a “sports organization.” How does this affect sports betters, or people who are suspicious that games are rigged? Could “the mob” have influenced the outcomes of more than 70 football games, including the Super Bowl, over the years?

Join Ben and Rob on this Edge of Wonder live show as they try to uncover the truth of “media vs. entertainment.” After the discussion, tune in for the live Q&A and a group meditation/prayer.

Q&A: “Has the NFL always been classified as entertainment?” “If you could bring back one extinct animal, which would it be?” “How can you research if some article or media post is faked?” And more!