Minneapolis taps paid influencers to combat false info in trials over George Floyd death

A city spokesperson says the goal is to reach people online who do not follow mainstream news sources or city communications channels

Social media influences usually use their platform to sell and promote things, like make-up, fashion, tech and events. The city of Minneapolis has planned on using such influencers to help promote accurate information and facts during a crucial time.

The city is hiring six social media influencers during trials against the police officers charged in the death of George Floyd. As reported by the New York Times, their plan is to have the influencers use their platforms to post “city-generated and approved messages” for Black, Latino, East African and Native American communities in an effort to combat any spread of misinformation regarding the trial.

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For their part, each influencer will be paid $2,000. The influencers have not been identified at this time.

This is a part of Minneapolis’ Joint Information System as a method of providing “timely and relevant information” on various means and platforms. It will also extend to radio stations in communities of color and other Black-led media outlets.

City spokeswoman Sarah McKenzie said the “goal is to increase access to information to communities that do not typically follow mainstream news sources or city communications channels,” as well as serving non-English speakers.