In a concerning trend, fake news websites, many supported by Russian entities, now surpass legitimate local news outlets in the United States, according to a recent report by NewsGuard.

According to VOA, disinformation watchdog NewsGuard has reported a significant increase in these “pink slime” websites, which publish low-quality or disinformation content.

NewsGuard is a disinformation watchdog that assesses the credibility and transparency of news and information websites.

“Pink slime” is a term originally used to describe a controversial meat product known as lean finely textured beef (LFTB), which is made from beef trimmings treated with ammonia to kill bacteria.

Named after this meat product, these sites have become more sophisticated, leveraging technology and generative AI to expand their reach.

McKenzie Sadeghi, NewsGuard’s editor for AI and foreign influence, highlighted the alarming trend, noting that the number of fake news sites has risen to 1,265.

“We now find that the number at 1,265 has surpassed the number of daily local newspapers in the U.S., which is a bit alarming,” she said.

This shift poses a severe threat to press freedom and the integrity of U.S. elections, as trust in online media continues to decline.

Tim Franklin, director of the Medill Local News Initiative, attributes this decline to shrinking profits and audiences.

He expressed concern over the surge of pink slime websites, which are exploiting the void left by legitimate local news organisations.

“We have an acceleration and loss of local news organisations across the country,” he said.

Ms Sadeghi noted that more than 150 Russian-backed sites have been identified, with many people mistakenly trusting them as genuine local publications.