• The BBC’s first-ever disinformation correspondent, Marianna Spring, has been accused of lying on her resume in the pursuit of a job before joining the broadcaster in 2018. Deadline
• On Wednesday, The New European claimed that she included a resume falsely claiming to have reported during the 2018 World Cup with BBC correspondent Sarah Rainsford in her application to a job in Moscow for the US-based Coda Story. Grayzone (LR: 1 CP: 1)
• According to the emails seen by The New European, Coda Story editor-in-chief Natalia Antelava checked the veracity of this claim with Rainsford and reprimanded Spring for the embellishment in her CV, to which the BBC journalist issued an apology. The New European
• Currently working with the newly launched the BBC Verify service to fact-check, counter disinformation, and “explain complex stories in the pursuit of truth,” she also has her own BBC podcast called Marianna in Conspiracyland. Daily Mail (LR: 5 CP: 5)
• Under Britain’s 2006 Fraud Act, an individual who exaggerates their qualifications with the intention of gaining employment commits a serious criminal offense and can face hefty fines and up to 10 years in jail. Grayzone (LR: 1 CP: 1)
• While the BBC hasn’t commented on the matter, Philly Spurr, the head of communications for Radio 4 and Sounds, said on Friday via X that those calling for Spring to be sacked should “be kind.” Daily Mail (LR: 5 CP: 5)

Narrative A:

• Spring is a driven, focused, and curious reporter intent on tackling the tide of disinformation that now floods the internet. This makes her the center of hateful and often misogynistic attacks — but she is undoubtedly a force for good.
  Guardian (LR: 2 CP: 5)

Narrative B:

• Spring has been the poster girl for the so-called fight against disinformation. Not only has she failed on numerous counts to do this, but she has now been accused of pushing disinformation herself. Ironic doesn’t even begin to cover it.
  Spiked