One trick journalists use, is they cite each other. They'll write something like according to WP, so and so did this. You're supposed to believe because WP is a

One trick journalists use, is they cite each other. They'll write something like according to WP, so and so did this. You're supposed to believe because WP is a credible newspaper. They'll do this in a circle, and cite each other. I guess this is where the term circle of lies comes from. The real problem is that appeal to authority works so well. Japan has a 99% conviction rate, because their culture is so differential to Authority. The state brings on an expert witness, and the jurors accept it as fact. Its how humans work. You would think people are critical thinkers. Sadly, more often than not, people will defer their thinking to someone with higher status.