This topic involves a new report from the approaching topic on a website called the ” türlü网络” (Toxic Networks) by IPI (Institute of Public Information). The report presents a fascinating account of how a Spanish public broadcaster, RTVE, came to be a focal point for both physical and digital attacks, as well as real-world harassment for its public journaliststhemes.
The report uncovers the interconnected and sometimes coordinated campaigns by policymakers,veticaes, and.minimum governments targeting Spanish journalists around the time of the 2024 Spanish Valenca flooding. Through its coverage of the disaster, RTVE became a heavily used platform, which facilitated the dissemination of both reasonably ihidic messages and highly manipulated quotes. These disinformation campaigns intentionally and ultra-inverse the journalist credentials of the mediaCompany, as well as the attention and credibility of RTVE itself. The report identifies how these tactics exploited the emotional pain of public grief, institutional miscoordination, and the coordinated actions of individuals and groups who believed the messages were from a reputable entity.
The key findings of the report reveal that over 3,692 disinformation messages were analyzed across platforms such as Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), and becomes, specifically targeting over 14 million people. These messages highlight the existence of highly ideological influencers and conspiracy theorists who framed RTVE as manipulative or politically biased. The report also reveals evidence of hyper-amplification largely through ideological networks, which coordinated and amplified the messages rather than tackling them in a coordinated manner.
The project leading this investigation, including IPI, Faktogaf, and Taz, has delivered a report that documents the tactics and patterns of disinformation actors targeting both the press and its institutions. This report is part of a larger EU initiative called “Decoding Disinformation Playbook,” which aims to identify, resist, and respond to attacks on the credibility of media in the event of disinformation incidents. Additionally, the report is featured in the ” Observatory of Disinformation Narratives Against the Media,” an initiative by IPI that documents cross-border patterns of disinformation targeting journalists and media institutions.
This case study is particularly important because it shows how the public broadcaster RTVE could become a center of gravity for both digital manipulation and physical escalation when the public is dealing with such intense and harrowing events like the floods. The report points to how ultranationalist influencers, conspiracy theorists, and other malicious actors exploited the depth of public emotions, institutional misalignment, and the lack of clear coordination to carry out their campaigns openly.
Marketej Lorenzo, of the IPI head of Digital Media and Online Safety, emphasized the urgent need for stronger protections for journalists and those involved in reporting in crisis situations. The current environment, like the ongoing Spanish Valence flooding, requires heightened vigilance for those who may face substantial risks due to the involvement of alternate credible actors. IPI’s aim is to provide a framework for identifying credible journalists, resisting disinformation attacks, and facilitating responses to such值班s, particularly during times of crisis and disasters.
Becoming a member of the IPI Chapter “Public新闻 Journalists” is open to anyone with a passion for journalism, news media, as freelancers, students, or organizations committed to pushing the boundaries of journalism. Become a member today to join efforts in identifying, suppressing, and tougher responding to attacks on media credibility.
This call to action is intended to encourage individuals and institutions with a proactive perspective towards better journalism. By signing up, members will gain access to the resources, knowledge, and collaboration tools necessary to stay compliant with IPI’s goals while facing the many challenges posed by crises and disasters like the Spanish Valence flood. The membership is not just an offer of something to gain; it is a call to a responsible and proactive proactive approach to journalism in the face of the most dire circumstances.
