The broadcasting group responsible for a message trotted across local news outlets across the US has defended the move, insisting the "promos served no political agenda".

Warning viewers to be mindful of "unsubstantiated stories that exist on social media", the message, delivered by news anchors, brought Donald Trump's "fake news" rhetoric to the minds of many, and the president himself defended the group on Twitter following initial reports.

"So funny to watch Fake News Networks, among the most dishonest groups of people I have ever dealt with, criticize Sinclair Broadcasting for being biased," he wrote. "Sinclair is far superior to CNN and even more Fake NBC, which is a total joke [sic]."

Deadspin cut a compilation of the messages (above), focusing on the poignant line: "This is extremely dangerous to our democracy."

The statement in full from Sinclair Broadcast Group's SVP News Scott Livingston: