Michelle Amazeen
@commscholar.bsky.social
Associate Dean of Research, College of Communication
Associate Professor of Mass Communication,
Director, Communication Research Center,
Boston University
New book – Content Confusion: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262553605/content-confusion/
Associate Professor of Mass Communication,
Director, Communication Research Center,
Boston University
New book – Content Confusion: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262553605/content-confusion/
Pinned
Michelle Amazeen
@commscholar.bsky.social
· Nov 18
Content Confusion
We often blame social media for the rampant problem of disinformation, but mainstream news media is also at fault. Not only do news outlets disguise paid con...
mitpress.mit.edu
🎉 Excited to share that Content Confusion publishes today! It dives into how news orgs & advertisers—including fossil fuels—blur journalism & ads, fueling disinfo & distrust. Available now! Use code MITP30 today for 30% off at MIT Press. Thanks for the support! 🙏
mitpress.mit.edu/978026255360...
mitpress.mit.edu/978026255360...
More #ContentConfusion per @oliverdarcy.bsky.social: “Whiskey Fridays with Tony Dokoupil” on CBS Evening News sponsored by Jack Daniels.
New: CBS News seems to be preparing a new segment called "Whiskey Fridays with Tony Dokoupil," per sources.
Some staff were only first made aware of it as they encountered CBS testing out set designs of a faux-stocked bar in the newsroom, featuring a large sponsor banner for Jack Daniels.
Some staff were only first made aware of it as they encountered CBS testing out set designs of a faux-stocked bar in the newsroom, featuring a large sponsor banner for Jack Daniels.
January 14, 2026 at 12:04 PM
More #ContentConfusion per @oliverdarcy.bsky.social: “Whiskey Fridays with Tony Dokoupil” on CBS Evening News sponsored by Jack Daniels.
A 🧵: The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing a #climate case this week with major implications for Louisiana’s eroding coast—and for corporate accountability. But one NYT story mostly buries Chevron’s role, focusing on statutes and doctrine instead. 1/5 www.nytimes.com/2026/01/11/c...
Supreme Court to Hear Case on Louisiana’s Eroding Coast
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:13 PM
A 🧵: The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing a #climate case this week with major implications for Louisiana’s eroding coast—and for corporate accountability. But one NYT story mostly buries Chevron’s role, focusing on statutes and doctrine instead. 1/5 www.nytimes.com/2026/01/11/c...
So fun to see my @comatbu.bsky.social colleague, Charlotte Howell, answering everyone's burning questions about #television #history for @wired.com. www.youtube.com/watch?v=g66Q...
Professor Answers Television History Questions | Tech Support | WIRED
YouTube video by WIRED
www.youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:34 PM
So fun to see my @comatbu.bsky.social colleague, Charlotte Howell, answering everyone's burning questions about #television #history for @wired.com. www.youtube.com/watch?v=g66Q...
Troubled by the NYT’s Tengiz piece — it reads like a Chevron promo with little scrutiny of environmental, social, or fiscal impacts. Missing: independent scientists, community voices, labor reps, human-rights groups, and economic accountability. 1/2 #ContentConfusion
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/b...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/b...
How Chevron Aims to Tap More Oil Below Kazakhstan’s Grassy Plains
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Troubled by the NYT’s Tengiz piece — it reads like a Chevron promo with little scrutiny of environmental, social, or fiscal impacts. Missing: independent scientists, community voices, labor reps, human-rights groups, and economic accountability. 1/2 #ContentConfusion
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/b...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/b...
Excited to teach "Information Literacy in an Era of Content Confusion" this spring with Rob Martinelle at @bostonu.bsky.social! Learn to spot misinformation 🔍 & create impactful media 🌟. BU undergrads, there’s still time to enroll: www.bu.edu/xcc/courses-...
#XC420 #ContentConfusion
#XC420 #ContentConfusion
January 3, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Excited to teach "Information Literacy in an Era of Content Confusion" this spring with Rob Martinelle at @bostonu.bsky.social! Learn to spot misinformation 🔍 & create impactful media 🌟. BU undergrads, there’s still time to enroll: www.bu.edu/xcc/courses-...
#XC420 #ContentConfusion
#XC420 #ContentConfusion
Visited my 90-year-old mom yesterday and The Jennifer Hudson Show was on TV. Shocked by how much was a sales pitch—with a "shop now" QR code! “Just like in your book,” my mom said. Yes, unfortunately. #ContentConfusion
January 2, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Visited my 90-year-old mom yesterday and The Jennifer Hudson Show was on TV. Shocked by how much was a sales pitch—with a "shop now" QR code! “Just like in your book,” my mom said. Yes, unfortunately. #ContentConfusion
Jill Abramson, ex-NYT editor, said, “I was fired... let’s be honest!” for opposing blurring editorial & ads. In a recent conversation at @bu-igs.bsky.social, we discussed how native ads pollute info & mislead on climate. Learn more:
www.bu.edu/igs/2025/12/...
#MediaIntegrity #ContentConfusion
www.bu.edu/igs/2025/12/...
#MediaIntegrity #ContentConfusion
December 15, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Jill Abramson, ex-NYT editor, said, “I was fired... let’s be honest!” for opposing blurring editorial & ads. In a recent conversation at @bu-igs.bsky.social, we discussed how native ads pollute info & mislead on climate. Learn more:
www.bu.edu/igs/2025/12/...
#MediaIntegrity #ContentConfusion
www.bu.edu/igs/2025/12/...
#MediaIntegrity #ContentConfusion
Reposted by Michelle Amazeen
In her new book, Brookline author Michelle Amazeen takes on an increasingly common form of misleading marketing filling the pages of some news outlets: Native advertising, also sometimes called sponsored content.
brookline.news/in-new-book-...
brookline.news/in-new-book-...
In new book, a Brookline author and professor calls out ads disguised as news - Brookline.News
Brookline author Michelle Amazeen turns a critical eye in her new book to an increasingly common form of advertising that resembles news articles and can confuse readers.
brookline.news
December 8, 2025 at 2:03 PM
In her new book, Brookline author Michelle Amazeen takes on an increasingly common form of misleading marketing filling the pages of some news outlets: Native advertising, also sometimes called sponsored content.
brookline.news/in-new-book-...
brookline.news/in-new-book-...
Reposted by Michelle Amazeen
Amazing opportunity ⬇️⬇️
Hey all,
The Onion is accepting applicants for our writing, video and graphics fellowships.
Fellowships last six months, pay well, and provide full benefits.
You can apply at theonion.com/fellowship.
The Onion is accepting applicants for our writing, video and graphics fellowships.
Fellowships last six months, pay well, and provide full benefits.
You can apply at theonion.com/fellowship.
Fellowship
theonion.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Amazing opportunity ⬇️⬇️
Very excited to talk to Jill Abramson about my new book, Content Confusion, this Thursday at noon! If you are in the Boston area and would like to attend, details are below...⬇️
📚 Happening Thursday! There are still tickets available for IGS’s Fall Book Talk with Michelle Amazeen @commscholar.bsky.social, who will be discussing her new book “Content Confusion” on the deceptive practice of native advertising. RSVP now ⬇️
A Conversation & Lunch with Expert & Author Michelle Amazeen
"Content Confusion" reveals how fossil fuel advertisers and news outlets blur the line between journalism and ads.
spr.ly
December 2, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Very excited to talk to Jill Abramson about my new book, Content Confusion, this Thursday at noon! If you are in the Boston area and would like to attend, details are below...⬇️
Looking forward to talking with Jill Abramson about my new book this Thursday, December 4th!
📚 Happening Thursday! There are still tickets available for IGS’s Fall Book Talk with Michelle Amazeen @commscholar.bsky.social, who will be discussing her new book “Content Confusion” on the deceptive practice of native advertising. RSVP now ⬇️
A Conversation & Lunch with Expert & Author Michelle Amazeen
"Content Confusion" reveals how fossil fuel advertisers and news outlets blur the line between journalism and ads.
spr.ly
December 1, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Looking forward to talking with Jill Abramson about my new book this Thursday, December 4th!
Reposted by Michelle Amazeen
News outlets often claim there are strict barriers between their editorial & advertising teams. But "that proverbial wall is much more porous than outlets let on," says Michelle Amazeen.
@emdashsanders.bsky.social interviewed @commscholar.bsky.social about her book "Content Confusion":
@emdashsanders.bsky.social interviewed @commscholar.bsky.social about her book "Content Confusion":
These ads are poisoning trust in media
‘Native advertising' allows fossil fuel companies to disguise their ads in news outlets. A new book argues the practice undermines journalistic credibility.
www.exxonknews.org
November 29, 2025 at 4:16 PM
News outlets often claim there are strict barriers between their editorial & advertising teams. But "that proverbial wall is much more porous than outlets let on," says Michelle Amazeen.
@emdashsanders.bsky.social interviewed @commscholar.bsky.social about her book "Content Confusion":
@emdashsanders.bsky.social interviewed @commscholar.bsky.social about her book "Content Confusion":
Reposted by Michelle Amazeen
Big Oil is using native advertising to "disguise their ads in news outlets" and promote "controversial technologies like carbon capture as climate solutions, portray fossil fuel companies as climate-friendly, or misrepresent their role in the energy transition" finds author @commscholar.bsky.social.
These ads are poisoning trust in media
‘Native advertising' allows fossil fuel companies to disguise their ads in news outlets. A new book argues the practice undermines journalistic credibility.
www.exxonknews.org
November 22, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Big Oil is using native advertising to "disguise their ads in news outlets" and promote "controversial technologies like carbon capture as climate solutions, portray fossil fuel companies as climate-friendly, or misrepresent their role in the energy transition" finds author @commscholar.bsky.social.
Honored to see my book, Content Confusion, recognized by @emdashsanders.bsky.social for shedding light on how native ads blur the line between ads and journalism, especially in fossil fuel coverage. Grateful to contribute to this vital conversation on corporate influence and media integrity. 🙏
An important new book from @commscholar.bsky.social looks at native advertising, a practice allowing fossil fuel companies to disguise their ads as journalism in mainstream outlets.
It adds a hugely overlooked piece to the convo about corporate influence in media www.exxonknews.org/p/these-ads-...
It adds a hugely overlooked piece to the convo about corporate influence in media www.exxonknews.org/p/these-ads-...
These ads are poisoning trust in media
‘Native advertising' allows fossil fuel companies to disguise their ads in news outlets. A new book argues the practice undermines journalistic credibility.
www.exxonknews.org
November 20, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Honored to see my book, Content Confusion, recognized by @emdashsanders.bsky.social for shedding light on how native ads blur the line between ads and journalism, especially in fossil fuel coverage. Grateful to contribute to this vital conversation on corporate influence and media integrity. 🙏
🎉 Excited to share that Content Confusion publishes today! It dives into how news orgs & advertisers—including fossil fuels—blur journalism & ads, fueling disinfo & distrust. Available now! Use code MITP30 today for 30% off at MIT Press. Thanks for the support! 🙏
mitpress.mit.edu/978026255360...
mitpress.mit.edu/978026255360...
Content Confusion
We often blame social media for the rampant problem of disinformation, but mainstream news media is also at fault. Not only do news outlets disguise paid con...
mitpress.mit.edu
November 18, 2025 at 12:51 PM
🎉 Excited to share that Content Confusion publishes today! It dives into how news orgs & advertisers—including fossil fuels—blur journalism & ads, fueling disinfo & distrust. Available now! Use code MITP30 today for 30% off at MIT Press. Thanks for the support! 🙏
mitpress.mit.edu/978026255360...
mitpress.mit.edu/978026255360...
The NYT reports most corporations skipped #COP30. Our @comatbu.bsky.social @bucomresearch.bsky.social Media & Tech Survey finds Americans noticed — confidence in big companies tackling climate change dropped a lot over 3 years. Read more here: www.bu.edu/com/articles...
#ClimateAction #PublicOpinion
#ClimateAction #PublicOpinion
November 12, 2025 at 2:54 PM
The NYT reports most corporations skipped #COP30. Our @comatbu.bsky.social @bucomresearch.bsky.social Media & Tech Survey finds Americans noticed — confidence in big companies tackling climate change dropped a lot over 3 years. Read more here: www.bu.edu/com/articles...
#ClimateAction #PublicOpinion
#ClimateAction #PublicOpinion
Reposted by Michelle Amazeen
Major media outlets are increasingly blurring the line between ads and editorial content. In her forthcoming book "Content Confusion," Michelle Amazeen "takes the media to task for allowing this fox into the hen house" — via @thenation.com: @commscholar.bsky.social
The Media Is Complicit in the Climate Confusion
The vast majority of people want their governments to take climate action—but most wrongly think they’re in the minority. The media is partly to blame.
www.thenation.com
November 8, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Major media outlets are increasingly blurring the line between ads and editorial content. In her forthcoming book "Content Confusion," Michelle Amazeen "takes the media to task for allowing this fox into the hen house" — via @thenation.com: @commscholar.bsky.social
📢 Excited to share that my 🌟first book talk🌟 will be with @osome.iu.edu! Join me Nov 19, 12-1 pm ET (online) as I discuss key themes from #ContentConfusion (@mitpress.bsky.social). Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deep into the challenges impacting our news media today.
October 29, 2025 at 4:57 PM
📢 Excited to share that my 🌟first book talk🌟 will be with @osome.iu.edu! Join me Nov 19, 12-1 pm ET (online) as I discuss key themes from #ContentConfusion (@mitpress.bsky.social). Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deep into the challenges impacting our news media today.
In my October Director's Letter from @bucomresearch.bsky.social, I talk with Drs. @tvbookstvbooks.bsky.social & @morganweiland.bsky.social about public views on navigating governmental pressure, protecting free speech, and the future of media freedom.
#FirstAmendment
sites.bu.edu/crc/2025/10/...
#FirstAmendment
sites.bu.edu/crc/2025/10/...
October 26, 2025 at 5:51 PM
In my October Director's Letter from @bucomresearch.bsky.social, I talk with Drs. @tvbookstvbooks.bsky.social & @morganweiland.bsky.social about public views on navigating governmental pressure, protecting free speech, and the future of media freedom.
#FirstAmendment
sites.bu.edu/crc/2025/10/...
#FirstAmendment
sites.bu.edu/crc/2025/10/...
Calling all 18-24 year-olds in Boston! 📢 Join our study on young adults’ media habits at @comatbu.bsky.social @bucomresearch.bsky.social. Your insights matter! See below to learn more & sign up. Please share with friends! #Boston #Research #MediaStudy
October 22, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Calling all 18-24 year-olds in Boston! 📢 Join our study on young adults’ media habits at @comatbu.bsky.social @bucomresearch.bsky.social. Your insights matter! See below to learn more & sign up. Please share with friends! #Boston #Research #MediaStudy
Glad to share my perspective in this article from @jpmjr.bsky.social about OpenAI’s Sora-2, which reportedly makes false claim videos 80% of the time. Another clear example of the rising challenge of #ContentConfusion as AI blurs fact and fiction.
OpenAI’s Sora 2 can be prompted to generate false claim videos 80% of the time, according to NewsGuard. jpmellojr.blogspot.com/2025/10/sora... #Sora2 #OpenAI #Deepfakes #Disinformation #NewsGuard
Sora 2 Generates False Videos 80% of the Time, Study Finds
New research by NewsGuard has revealed that the latest version of OpenAI’s video creation tool Sora 2 can be prompted to advance false or ...
jpmellojr.blogspot.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Glad to share my perspective in this article from @jpmjr.bsky.social about OpenAI’s Sora-2, which reportedly makes false claim videos 80% of the time. Another clear example of the rising challenge of #ContentConfusion as AI blurs fact and fiction.
Are you a student looking to further hone your #ScienceCommunication writing skills? Here's a great opportunity to check out: ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
Exciting news! SciCommBites is officially accepting applications for authors for our 2026 cohort. Learn more below and apply by November 30! scicommbites.org/applications...
Applications open for 2026 SciCommBites authors! - SciCommBites
Apply by November 30 for the chance to be part of the SciCommBites 2026 Author Cohort!
scicommbites.org
October 20, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Are you a student looking to further hone your #ScienceCommunication writing skills? Here's a great opportunity to check out: ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
One month until my book Content Confusion publishes on 11/18! It reveals how mainstream news & ads blur lines, fueling disinfo & shaping journalism itself. Ever noticed ads disguised as news? Share your stories! #Preorder here: mitpress.mit.edu/978026255360... #MediaTrust @mitpress.bsky.social
October 18, 2025 at 5:33 PM
One month until my book Content Confusion publishes on 11/18! It reveals how mainstream news & ads blur lines, fueling disinfo & shaping journalism itself. Ever noticed ads disguised as news? Share your stories! #Preorder here: mitpress.mit.edu/978026255360... #MediaTrust @mitpress.bsky.social
Glad I was able to share some thoughts w @davidingram.bsky.social on use of deepfakes. According to our recent poll w @ipsosus.bsky.social, > 4 in 5 adults in US believe we should be protected from unauthorized use of our likeness created by genAI: www.bu.edu/com/articles...
October 6, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Glad I was able to share some thoughts w @davidingram.bsky.social on use of deepfakes. According to our recent poll w @ipsosus.bsky.social, > 4 in 5 adults in US believe we should be protected from unauthorized use of our likeness created by genAI: www.bu.edu/com/articles...
"The planned appointment was first reported by the New York Post." Wrong scoop attribution @washingtonpost.com. @oliverdarcy.bsky.social & @passantino.bsky.social at @status.news reported this weeks ago! www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Bari Weiss to be named top editor at CBS News
Paramount Skydance will acquire the journalist’s publication, the Free Press, which she started after quitting the New York Times in 2020.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 3, 2025 at 4:31 PM
"The planned appointment was first reported by the New York Post." Wrong scoop attribution @washingtonpost.com. @oliverdarcy.bsky.social & @passantino.bsky.social at @status.news reported this weeks ago! www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...