A guide to verification and debunking words and images
Basic steps to follow when attempting to confirm the validity of information found online.
5
min
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Fact-checking
Subscribe to Updates Fact-checking as a form of journalistic writing refers to the assessment of statements and rhetoric for accuracy and truthfulness, as well as the debunking of viral stories and rumors. Fact-checking is a form of accountability journalism because the statements are typically made by people in politics, government or other powerful positions who are held accountable for their words and actions. Fact-checks require original sources, intense research, and high-quality data.Big Picture A fact-checking primer
The discipline of verification is a key function of journalism. Learn more about fact-checking as a discipline, why it’s important, and how to do it right.
4
min
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Plan Learn more about the concepts and strategies behind fact-checking
How the experts define fake news, misinformation and disinformation
A glossary of terminology used in defining types of incorrect information.
8
min
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How to evaluate a source based on the CRAP test (currency, reliability, authority and purpose)
An explanation of the traditional “CRAP” detection test developed by Howard Reingold.
1
min
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Understanding the complexities of fact-checking, primary sources and attribution
An interview with journalist Benjamin Phelan about his intense fact-checking work for “This American Life” and “S-Town.”
19
min
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A guide to fake news sites
A list of about 200 fake websites and how we know they’re fake.
15
min
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Do Tactics to improve your fact-checking quality and capabilities
How the Border Belt Independent provides deep-dives for North Carolina newsrooms
Here’s an idea to steal and adapt: As a digital news start-up, the Border Belt Independent partners with local newspapers to provide them with long-form stories at no cost. It helps grow our audience and provides them with in-depth reporting their readers expect.
16
min
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How inewsource shows its work to build trust with community
Transparify has changed how inewsource journalists think about reporting and writing stories.
8
min
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WhatsApp Business provides a way to collect fact-checking items
A peek into how a Brazilian collective is using WhatApp to fight misinformation.
7
min
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Guidelines for newsrooms that are new to fact-checking
A guide to setting up a bulletproof fact-checking program in your newsroom.
18
min
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How to identify primary sources
A coherent explanation and a quiz to test your knowledge of the difference between primary and secondary sources.
5
min
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Why people accept misinformation and reject truth
This effective comic-strip style primer explains the types of resistance fact-checkers face.
5
min
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Party Lines: How to identify misleading talking points
A series of fact checks that examine political “talking points” and their deception.
10
min
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Don’t give up on the fact-resistant: Tips to break the grip of misinformation
Tips for writing and producing a fact check to reach the fact-resistant.
9
min
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How to make your best journalism better through fact-checking
Facts don’t need to be boring. This report demonstrates more engaging ways to present data and factual content.
10
min
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FactCheck.org’s process for fact-checking
FactCheck.org explains how they select and produce their content.
8
min
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AfricaCheck case study: The role of transparency and fact-checking
AfricaCheck explains how they select and produce their content.
3
min
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Behind PolitiFact’s process and ratings
How PolitiFact created, maintains and modifies its rating system.
17
min
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Online course: Improving your skills in fact-checking and accountability journalism
A free online course that includes separate chapters for beginners to advanced fact-checkers. Also available in several languages.
1
min
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