In a recent podcast hosted by Lt. Col Stuart Crawford, George Allison, the founder of the UK Defence Journal, shared his background and the journal’s purpose.
Lt. Col. Stuart Crawford is a leading Defence Analyst, author, writer and broadcaster with a media profile which includes CNN, Channel 5 News, GB News, BBC, Five Live, LBC, and BBC Radio 4. Crawford produces a weekly podcast available across all major platforms, you can find it here.
With a special focus on shipbuilding and cybersecurity, Allison and his team aim to explain the complexities of defence in plain English. The journal has grown substantially since its inception in 2014, boasting 160,000 followers on Facebook and 110,000 on Twitter.
Allison explained the journal’s aim: “We set up the UK Defence Journal with the aim to explain defence in this country in plain English.” He emphasised the importance of accessible information, stating, “We aim our content at the casual reader but our content… is read by everyone from the casual reader all the way up to relatively senior people in defence and government.”
But enough about us. You know us and why we are here.
Echo Chambers and Disinformation
During the podcast, Allison touched upon the role of echo chambers and disinformation in online discussions. He noted that he has encountered fake or bot accounts spreading misleading information about UK defence matters. Despite the launch of HMS Glasgow, misinformation surrounding the UK’s naval shipbuilding and aircraft carriers persists.
Allison believes that some individuals are resistant to acknowledging their mistakes and may simply block information that contradicts their beliefs, perpetuating echo chambers. He commented, “I think a lot of people enter their own online echo chamber, so they will block information that’s contrary to what they believe or what they want to believe.”
Misinformation on Naval Shipbuilding and Aircraft Carriers
Allison shared his thoughts on the persistence of misinformation surrounding UK’s naval shipbuilding and aircraft carriers. He stated, “I think there are a lot of reasons for that perception and public misunderstanding, first of all, of course, being… inaccurate tabloid headlines.” He also mentioned that poor defence reporting elsewhere contributes to the problem.
He explained his frustration when dealing with those who spread false information, saying, “It’s very, very rare that someone will acknowledge the fact that they have made a mistake. We all make mistakes… But it takes a certain mindset to make something up over something as daft as a frigate.”
Get listening!
Stuart Crawford’s insightful interview with George Allison is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of defence journalism and the importance of combating misinformation.
Crawford expertly navigates the conversation, shedding light on the challenges faced by the UK Defence Journal and the role of echo chambers in perpetuating misconceptions. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion – be sure to tune in to the podcast and gain a deeper appreciation for the world of defence reporting.
I would say a big issue is yes people are spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories online, however I would say a bigger issue is when newspapers (calling them newspapers is a big stretch) like the daily mail and telegraph repeat the lies and claims. This then validates everything what people have been posting as a national newspaper has said the same thing.
Don’t read them then.
Right yeah that’s one person accounted for, only another 25m to go eh, are you going to have a word with every one of them? Let us know your progress hopefully we might be around for the first few thousand or so. Meanwhile while we wait for the good news on your part, I will go seek out all those worried about knife crime so that I can tell them equally poignantly ‘don’t get knifed then’ That should solve the problem as I’m sure the Home Secretary will insightfully agree.
Newspapers, BBC, Sky etc. are all trying to survive in a world where old fashioned editors believe that nobody will read a story unless it is a disaster!
The reality is that people really want truth, balance & explanation. The BBC, for example, need to distance themselves from sensationalism & remind themseves that if they they don’t focus on the important issues & report them reliably & properly the license fee will be taken from them and given to someone else who might.
Don’t worry give it ten years and the news will all be decided by AI. Probably won’t be much different to the Daily Mail thinking about it.
😂Ah AI – best bit of marketing i’ve seen in decades. Computer programs were boring and a mystery to most people whilst AI could solve problems you didn’t know you had. Now the result is in and the answer is 42. What was the question again?
Mate the most commonly read paper is the Mail. Wtf
Omg and you have not included the greatest liars of them all, the Grauniad and Indy? Wow. Talk about echo chambers!
I don’t read the guardian it’s a bit to pretentious for me. However both the guardian and the independent have both been reported by this very website to be some of the most trustworthy news sites in the UK.
Link provided: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-defence-journal-enters-top-10-trustworthy-uk-news-sites/
I don’t read the guardian it’s a bit to pretentious for me. However both the guardian and the independent have both been reported by this very website to be some of the most trustworthy news sites in the UK.
I did post a link but it is still requiring apoval.
Shipbuilding? What shipbuilding? All frigates are now to be built in Poland.
🤣🤣🤣
But who is going to build the ship that’s going to be needed to ship them back to the Clyde I wonder.
First class mugshot George, complete with a tasteful pair of cans!
So that’s what UKDJ HQ looks like!
This site is excellent, well written and intelligent. A good read.
I wish we had a Canadian Defence Journal, but then maybe not. It would be very limited and kind of embarrassing to be honest.
Of course the submarines are getting kinda old but we will keep them going for years yet and I think we still have a frigate, maybe 2?
Thank you very much for setting up U.K. defence journal and keeping it going. It’s a great place to put news and somewhere anyone can contribute to the comments or submit articles.
Seconded. I don’t know what I’d do or where I’d go without it!
Most of us would be pretty clueless on ORBATS, updates, kit, locations, procurement and other such nitty gritty stuff if the UKDJ was not here, as you would have nowhere to enlighten us mate! Many of us appreciate UKDJ team but the real gold dust here is the likes of you, GB, deep32 (weirdo), DaveyB, Farouk, Graham, Barry and the rest of the SMEs, interested geeks and top dit tellers! It’s always a pleasure to read, learn and laugh my ass off 👍
You’re too kind mate. Respect.
You forgot to mention JohnMK, Esteban and a couple of others who`s entertainment value is pure comedy gold…..in most cases.
Agreed, they are called the muppet show 👍😂😂
😂😂😂👍🇬🇧
Morning George, all, like many here I read this site everyday. So thank you for your work from here in 🇦🇺. I like the rolling topics and mix of peoples experiences, speculations, banter and even sharp differences.
Is there any update on the CAMM-Aster upgrades to the T45s now that the PIPs are progressing?
I think that was going to happen from 2026 through to 2032. Could be wrong though..
Ferguson Marine.
https://www.fergusonmarine.com/news/ferguson-marine-shipyard-begins-type-26-frigate-work/
George you are a hero. You have put your head above the parapet so many times. Thanks.