Author Matthew Jordan Associate Professor of Media Studies, Pennsylvania State University Academic rigor, journalistic flair One thing about the 2016 presidential race is undeniable: Donald Trump has lied or misled at an unprecedented level. Over 70 percent of his statements, according to Politifact, are “mostly false,” “false” or “pants on fire false.” (Hillary Clinton is at 26 percent.) His latest whopper – that the election is being rigged by a dishonest media and through ballot fraud – fed the news cycle for an entire week. But while Trump scapegoats the media, he has served them well – at least, financially. Cable news organizations are expected to break records with US$2.5 billion in profits this election and spending on digital ads will reach $1 billion for the first time in a presidential campaign. NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik recently reported that CNN has earned roughly $100 million more than they’d anticipated during this election cycle – largely due to Trump. Digital media has feasted off Donald Trump’s lies. Nick Lehr/The Conversation, CC BY-SA October 25, 2016 11.23pm EDT In a post-truth election, clicks trump facts In a post-truth election, clicks trump facts https://theconversation.com/in-a-post-truth-election-clicks-trump-f... 1 of 4 10/26/16, 5:35 PM