[Keith]

The Sun doubled down tonight. Apparently bookies say that Midsomer Murders is 8/1 to be axed after ITV 'pulled' the next episode that was never scheduled in the first place. This, after 'speculation' about it's future (caused entirely by The Sun) for failing to understand the basics of TV scheduling.

The other favourite is for tabloids to make up news by running "xxx under threat of being axed". Then a few days/weeks later run "xxx (celeb) looks xxx (emotion) admit threat of xxx (if relating to a show) being axed". A few more days/weeks later they can then run "xxx saved from being axed" or "xxx (celeb or broadcaster) denies rumours of xxx (celeb or show) being axed".

Basically allows them to run multiple articles online, instead of just one (or none). All conveniently pushing readers to their web pages and view the adverts on those pages, which generates revenue for them. It also allows the website/tabloid to push and then reinforce their own agenda (and grudges/vendettas).

Arguably an example of this could be seen with articles speculating on Giovanni Pernice's future on Strictly.