• by Wayne Friedman , February 13, 2017

In February, “fake news” was the strongest rising topical trend when it came to earned media, according to mediaQuant, an earned media researcher.

Overall, discussion around fake news rose 23% -- now scoring a media rating of 94; it had earned a 93 score in January. Over the previous six months, it had been averaging a 71 media rating score.

Earned media is defined as press interviews and appearances on all media, including TV, radio, online and print publications.

The topic of fake news has produced 42.4 million “mentions” and 64.2 million over the last 12 months.  Media value estimated for coverage of “fake news” has amounted to $270.3 million in February. Over the last 12 months, mediaQuant says its media value has been $388.7 million.

Only banking/finance reform (97 media rating); terrorism (96); and U.S. National Security (95) did better in media ratings. Abortion issues tied with fake news with a 94 media rating score.

The media around fake news started rising in June 2016, and gradually rose through the presidential campaigns and election.

After fake news, the topic of social security report is the next bigger gainer -- up 15% in February so far -- some 83.4 million media mentions.