Channel 4 reveals Fake News Week
- Channel 4 is to broadcast a 'Fake News Week' during the first week of February
- Lee Nelson comic Simon Brodkin will document his high-profile prankster stunts
- In another show, Stephen Mangan will present a comedy pilot about fake news
Channel 4 has announced that it will turn the first week of February into 'Fake News Week', broadcasting a number of programmes about the newly-defined phenomenon.
The channel explains: "Channel 4 will examine 'Fake News' in a week-long season of programming this February that gives an insight into the post-truth world.
"From the fakers peddling fiction as fact to professional blaggers stealing the headlines - it's never been easier to make or make up the news. In a world where truth is compromised by popularity, determined by clicks, likes and shares, is anyone telling it like it is?"
As well as a series of in-depth investigations from Channel 4 News about where fake news comes from and its implications, the broadcaster will show a new documentary about comedian Simon Brodkin and his high-profile satirical stunts. They will also air a new panel show pilot hosted by Stephen Mangan, in which the teams look beyond the headlines to see what is - and isn't - real news.
Britain's Greatest Hoaxer will reveal "the extraordinary measures Brodkin takes as he uses the media's thirst for a story to burst the bubble of some of the world's richest and most famous people".
Channel 4 explain: "Comedian and infamous hoaxer Simon Brodkin made headlines around the world showering Sepp Blatter in banknotes and storming Kanye West's stage at Glastonbury. In 2016, Channel 4 gained exclusive access to the comic as he set his sights on breaking the news once again, turning his target to three of the world's most notorious figures: Simon Cowell, Sir Philip Green and the 45th President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump.
"With tension, drama, disguise, false starts, arrests and near misses with the U.S. Secret Service, this unique documentary lifts the lid on the months of meticulous planning and preparation it takes to pull off a successful stunt, jumping on the news agenda."
As reported earlier this week, The Fake News Show (a working title) will "peer behind the wobbly façade of fake news, dissect the outlandish headlines, wild lies, dodgy Photoshops and all-too-believable viral clips that have pushed post-truth to the front pages".
Stephen Mangan will host the show for Hat Trick Productions, with Richard Osman appearing as one of the guests.
Both programmes will be broadcast during the week beginning Saturday 4th February.
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