Boston Globe cites Brewer, Rosenbaum in article on anonymous political attacks

University of Maine professors Mark Brewer and Judith Rosenbaum were quoted in the Boston Globe article, “In Maine, is GOP linked to flurry of anonymous attacks?” Some Maine Democrats believe fake news posted on a conservative website and shared by the Republican Party tainted Lewiston’s mayoral race, according to the article. The right-wing websites Maine First Media and the Examiner are clearly affecting state politics, but they lack any traditional sense of accountability, said Brewer, a political science professor. “When you have an anonymous website, who knows who’s bankrolling it?” Brewer said. “I think all Mainers not only should know, but deserve to know. They can publish whatever they want, but it would be helpful to know who’s paying for the information.” Brewer’s concerns were echoed by Rosenbaum, a communications professor who specializes in social media. Hearing new voices is important, she said, but such a platform comes with responsibility. “My biggest concern is: Do we have a citizenry that is able to discern credible news from news that is really rumors and gossip?” Rosenbaum said. Portland Press Herald carried the Boston Globe report.