The Czech Republic's Fake News Problem

In Prague, there’s a popular website with a reputation among journalists and politicians for publishing content seemingly aimed at stirring up trouble or disrupting the status quo, exaggerating facts, and blasting out sensational headlines. Dramatic articles about the dangers of refugees and Islam pop up frequently on the site. Populist-leaning politicians quote its stories, and often grant interviews to its writers or author guest posts. Its content is frequently shared across social media.

Though it may sound like a Breitbart offshoot, it’s not: It’s a Czech news site with a monthly audience of called (or, “Parliamentary Letters”). It publishes interviews with politicians, alongside more sensational content that exaggerates facts, seemingly with the intent to sow discontent with the government or the political establishment. But the comparison to the