When it comes to matters of science, giving equal time to promoters of misinformation might make for ‘good TV’, but it is wholly irresponsible

When the media participate in this reporting style, they create a false impression that there are divides within the scientific community on the issue, which is far from the truth. It also provides those who promote unscientific ideas with an authority they do not have and have not earned, which can have dangerous implications regarding the spread of misinformation rewrapped as genuine concerns. These instances of false balance reporting by mainstream media companies lead to significant consequences for audiences, such as the rejection of vaccines or the denial of climate change.