CONONLEY man Robert Minton-Taylor – a former president of the Chartered Institute of Journalists – has spoken out in support of the industry and against fake news.

He was addressing an event marking the 25th anniversary of public relations courses at Leeds Beckett University.

"While we like to think of ourselves as rational beings, in the end we are driven by uncertainties in the world," said Mr Minton-Taylor, a senior PR lecturer at Leeds Business School.

"When we hear facts that challenge us we selectively amplify what suits us, ignore what does not and reinterpret whatever we can.

"Facts rarely stand up for themselves. We need journalists to care about the facts, to make us curious and help readers, viewers and listeners put them into context."

He added: "News organisations need to continue to invest in journalists because in a democracy they stand between the truth and falsehoods.

"The bedrock of journalism are local weekly and regional daily newspapers like the Keighley News, Craven Herald and Telegraph & Argus.

"As readers we need to continue to support them so that they can continue their work in reporting the news and determining 'fake news' from the real verifiable facts."