Politics

With ‘Fake News’ Trademark, a Journalism Group Seeks to Take Power From Trump

SPJ joins a dozen others seeking to trademark the phrase

man in a tie standing in front of a fake news trademark certificate
SPJ hopes to strip some power from Trump by trademarking the term 'fake news.'SPJ
sara.jerde
By Sara Jerde

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The Florida Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) is turning President Trump’s language around on him. The journalist advocacy organization has applied to trademark the term “fake news” to discourage the White House—and politicians and celebrities—from using it inappropriately.

The ability for Trump to use the term “fake news” to characterize reporting that is critical of him has proven to be “an effective weapon,” said Emily Bloch, president, SPJ Florida Pro Chapter, in a statement.

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sara.jerde

Sara Jerde

Sara Jerde is publishing editor at Adweek, where she covers traditional and digital publishers’ business models. She also oversees political coverage ahead of the 2020 election.

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