The media, fake news and national security: An empirical analysis

Abstract This study examines the intersection of media, fake news, and national security, highlighting the critical challenges posed by misinformation in contemporary society. As fake news proliferates through various media channels, its impact on public perception and policy-making becomes increasingly pronounced. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and content analysis to assess the prevalence of fake news and its perceived implications for national security among media consumers. Findings reveal a significant correlation between exposure to fake news and heightened public anxiety regarding national security threats. The study underscores the necessity for media literacy initiatives and policy interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of misinformation. This paper contributes to the growing discourse on media's role in national security, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to safeguard information integrity. Key Words: Media, Fake News, National Security About the Author * Abdulmuhmeen Omotayo Moyosore is a Lecturer in the Department of Broadcasting, Film and Multimedia Studies, University of Abuja and a Ph.D. student in the Department of Mass Communication Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. His area of research interest is Broadcasting. JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 18, No. 1, Special Issue 4, January 2026, pp. 142-147. © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). Article Citation Moyosore, A. O. (2026). The media, fake news and national security: An empirical analysis. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 18 (1, SP.4): 142-147. Full Article Words: 2,798 Pages: 6 To access full article, click on download.