Jax Radio: Former WOKV Talker Getting Heat for Fake Trump Photos

Conservative radio host  Mark Kaye, ousted last week from Copx Media's WOKV Jacksonville, FL, is making international headlines for creating and sharing AI-generated fake images of Black voters to encourage African Americans to vote Republican. 

According to BBC Panorama, Kaye created an image of former President Donald Trump smiling with his arms around a group of Black women at a party and shared it on Facebook, where he has more than one million followers.

"I'm not a photojournalist," Kaye told BBC Panorama. "I'm not out there taking pictures of what's really happening. I'm a storyteller.”

Here are the key points:

• AI-Generated Images: Dozens of these fake images have surfaced, showing Trump posing with Black individuals. Some captions falsely claim that Trump stopped his motorcade to take these photos. However, there is no evidence linking these images directly to Trump’s campaign.
• Mark Kaye’s Role: Mark Kaye himself admitted to creating one of these fabricated images. He clarified that he is not a photojournalist but rather a storyteller. His intention was not to deceive but to craft a narrative.
• Disinformation Tactics: These AI-generated photos appear to be part of a resurgence of disinformation tactics aimed at the Black community. Cliff Albright, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, highlighted that similar attempts were made during the 2020 election. The goal seems to be influencing perceptions and opinions within this demographic.
• Impact and Perception: While some online commenters recognized the photos as fake, others were convinced they were real. The ease with which social media can spread misinformation underscores the need for critical thinking and fact-checking.
• Context: As the 2024 election looms, AI-generated media continues to play a role in shaping narratives. It’s essential for voters to remain vigilant and verify information from reliable sources.

In summary, these manipulated images serve as a reminder of the power of visual content and the importance of media literacy in an era of digital communication.