It's an open secret, which I've seen reported on several times, that getting a fake news story to be trusted is straightforward--just a few mutual citations, and the original source's problems are laundered away. It's especially easy in an environment of like-minded reporters with the same kind of beat--whether it is the latest pop bands or politics. One reporter called it "the rule of 3"--if three different reporters mention it, it's a trend. Even if they all cite the same original story.
You can even hoax the world for years about who invented electric toasters.
As for wikipedia: "The problem with quotes on the internet is you can never trust their validity.--Abraham Lincoln"
It's an awful lot slower to check stories, but at least you (usually) understand it afterwards, and know who not to trust.
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