It’s the job of the journalist to try to find and present the truth, but fact-checking isn’t easy. It requires a methodological approach to verification.

Many find it difficult to distinguish between credible and misleading content in today’s digital age. With the rise of social media, false and misleading information has become more prevalent, making it even more difficult for people to tell the difference between fact and fiction.

Because many media outlets are profit-driven, sensationalist and clickbait content frequently takes precedence over fact-based journalism. As a result, trust in journalism as a whole has declined, while, at the same time, skepticism about the reliability of information published and shared has grown.

The preference of social media platforms for engagement and amplification has contributed to the information disorder. Indeed, credible and evidence-based information is in short supply, while false and misleading content continues to spread on social media.

Because of this it is critical to have a strong fact-checking system in place to combat the spread of false and misleading information.

A fact-checker must be skilled at digital investigation and willing to go the extra mile to uncover a kernel of truth. To assess the veracity of information accurately, fact-checkers must be trained in and have access to digital tools, techniques, and resources.

Fact-checking in action

At Nepal Check, we use both human intelligence and digital tools to verify information spreading online. Over the past six months, we have fact-checked a wide range of false claims, from political statements to health misinformation.

On the eve of the November 20 2022 elections in Nepal, we fact-checked screenshots purported to be from a secret circular issued by the ruling Nepali Congress urging its supporters not to vote for Maoist candidates.

Not only was the so-called “secret circular” made up. Election misinformation spreaders created screenshots of ‘news’ that claimed to have been published by reputable digital outlets and a newspaper in Nepal.

We dug deep into the misinformation spreaders to find out what party they were affiliated with. We found that the majority were affiliated with an opposition party that competed with the ruling alliance.

One of the fake news reports had a reporter’s byline. The claim was refuted by the reporter himself. In the fact-check, Nepal Check cited him. We also cited news outlets that claimed the screenshots were fake. In addition to relying on their statement, we checked the claims on news websites.

Finally, our investigation revealed that the Nepali Congress party’s Central Working Committee had not met in nearly three months when the meeting was claimed. We also used the occasion to explain how morphed screenshots are created. In doing so, we hoped to raise awareness about the technique so that people would think twice before spreading false information.

We fact-checked videos with false claims that Gagan Thapa, the general secretary of the Nepali Congress, promised freebies if elected prime minister. Thapa is a popular politician and is often the target of misinformation. The video claiming Thapa promised free smartphones, free petrol and a monthly stipend for the elderly had circulated on social media for several months.

To debunk the claim, we needed to find the original, full version of the video. So we started by looking up the video on YouTube. We discovered a video of the political function, but it lacked the section where Thapa was quoted. However, the video provided an important clue that a fact-checker can use to conduct additional research. It displayed the event’s date and location.

With this vital information, we were able to locate the event organizer’s Facebook page. A further Google search led us to the full version of the video, which had been published by a local television station. We found that Thapa’s statement had been taken out of context in order to spread misinformation.

Thapa had argued that while populist programs receive widespread support, they are difficult to fund. To disseminate misinformation, the video, which was more than an hour long, was edited down to a 22-second clip. We could verify this by following the claim back to its source, which is an important aspect of combating misinformation.

Human intelligence and engaging the audience

While the digital age creates opportunities for the spread of fake news, misinformation and disinformation, it also creates opportunities for fact checkers to follow digital trails in order to try to find the source and the veracity of the information being shared.

The fundamental journalistic skills of fact-checking are not new, they just need applying to the digital age. Our duty, as always, is to publish accurate, fair, objective, impartial and well-sourced information, backed by well-researched context and analysis. That has not changed. And digital tools are a massive help in the pursuit of robust and critical journalism. We just need to make sure we are using those tools as well as those who propagate falsehoods do.

All newsrooms must have a fact-checking team made up of dedicated journalists who are skilled in thorough research and diligent scrutiny in order to ensure that all information shared is a true representation of news events.

Below is a list of some of the tools Nepal Check uses, and how we use them.

Human intelligence

• Research who is behind the information being spread, try to find a trail of similar information to lead you to the source.
• Does the fake news item carry a byline? Does that person exist? If they do contact them. By doing so you might find a new lead in your search for the truth.
• Does what is being said stand up to historical scrutiny? Research and establish the sequence of events leading up to the claims.

Digital tools

• Is the evidence real or manipulated or used out of context?
• Are screenshots real or fake, can you find any evidence of the original material online or in print? If not, why not? Who could have created the screenshots and why?
• Is video being used? Has a clip been taken out of context? As a journalist you have a duty to search for the original, watch it in its entirety, and offer a more complete picture including the situation and circumstances in which it was shot in order to add context and relevance.
• When you find the original you will also discover the date and, possibly, the location of the original material. Do these match the details in the clip?
• Check all social media links back to the original source to find out what other material has been shared.

Engaging your audience

• Be totally transparent in your myth-busting research.
• Let those who read your journalism know the steps you took and the evidence you uncovered.
• By doing so you will help them understand more about fake news and empower them with the tools to do their own fact-checking.

The post Creating a strong fact-checking system first appeared on Media Helping Media.

A local newspaper reporter has been assigned the task of monitoring licensing applications.

Their job, as set out by the news editor, is to check the weekly list of new applications submitted to the local council, contact the licensing department in order to find out the details, and then write a report.

Such stories usually cover premises wanting temporary permission to serve alcohol, existing premises wanting to stay open longer, or premises applying for a change of use.

The articles are meant to be simple, public information reports written to a formula.

They typically set out what has been applied for, include why the application has been made, and explain how anyone with concerns can register them.

While going through the latest licensing applications the reporter finds that a local pub has applied for a licensing extension which would allow it to remain open until the early hours of the morning.

The reporter copies the exact wording of the application and adds the text to the article. They then walk past the pub to take an exterior photograph.

The proprietor sees the reporter taking the photograph and asks them what they are doing. The reporter explains, and asks the proprietor to confirm the opening hours extension application.

The proprietor says it’s to meet ‘local demand’. He then admits that there will be some objections to the plans, but urges the reporter to add some “positive spin” to the report and offers to buy him a pint and lunch in the pub.

The reporter rejects the kind offer of refreshments – as is the newspaper’s policy – and returns to the office where he writes an article along the following lines (the name of the pub and location have been altered) …

The Jolly Boozer applies for a licence extension

The recently reopened Jolly Boozer on High Street, Sleepinghyde, wants to extend opening hours to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays and half midnight the rest of the week.

The pub’s proprietor says the change is aimed at meeting local demand.

Anyone concerned about the increase in opening hours has until Friday 21 March to make their representations.

The reporter then includes:

• the details of the application taken from the local authority’s official listing
• a quote from the proprietor about why they have applied for the extension
• and a paragraph about the public’s right to response.

The article is checked by the news editor, signed off by the editor, and published.

The next day, after the newspaper is published, the proprietor of the pub contacts the editor threatening legal action and claiming that the reporter had been involved in “coaxing negative representations” to the licensing office.

The proprietor demands an end to the “negative campaigning” against his business and calls for an article to be published in the newspaper to include the “positive spin” he had given the reporter about the extension application.

The editor calls the reporter into her office. The reporter denies any coaxing or campaigning, and explains that they were simply following normal procedure using a format used by the newspaper for all planning applications.

The editor agrees and calls the proprietor back explaining that she is satisfied that the article if fair, accurate, and in line with normal procedure.

The proprietor is not happy and accuses the reporter of being involved in a personal crusade to attack the business and says the matter has now been passed on to the company’s lawyers.

What should the editor and reporter do?

Should they:

1. Publish a new story including “positive spin’ in line with the proprietor request while leaving out the part which explains how people can make ‘representations’ against the pub’s licensing extension application.
2. Take advice from the news organisation’s lawyers.
3. Stand firm, refuse to be bullied, and reject the demand for a follow-up article.

Suggested answer

A mixture of options 2 & 3.

In any situation where you are threatened with legal action you should first talk to your line-manager. You may also want to talk to the news organisation’s lawyers just to be sure. However, you will probably find that their advice is to refuse to be bullied.

In the case above the reporter has done nothing wrong. Their article is a straight piece of public information reporting. It follows a format used by the newspaper for many years. Those living close to pub need to know what the pub is planning. They deserve the chance to make representations if they are unhappy. It is part of the role of a local news organisation to share such information.

There will often be those who try to limit media freedom for their own ends by making legal threats. Their hope is that the journalist will become frightened and comply with their demands. But you must never be influenced by demands for “positive spin” or by false accusations of ‘coaxing’ or ‘campaigning’.

Always refer up and, if legal action is threatened you should seek advice from your news organisation’s lawyers.

Summing up

A local newspaper reporter, following standard procedure, wrote a factual article about a pub’s application for a licensing extension, including details of the application, the proprietor’s reasoning, and how the public could register concerns. Following publication, the proprietor threatened legal action, accusing the reporter of negative campaigning and demanding a “positive spin” article. The editor, after confirming the reporter followed established journalistic practices, should stand firm against the proprietor’s demands, refusing to be bullied or publish biased content, while also consulting the news organisation’s lawyers for guidance on handling the legal threat and to make them aware of the unfolding situation.

This scenario powerfully illustrates the crucial role of local journalism in upholding transparency and public access to information, while also highlighting the pressures journalists face from those seeking to control the narrative.

Analysis:

• The core function of local journalism:
  • The reporter’s task underscores the essential function of local news in disseminating public information regarding planning and licensing applications. This ensures citizens are aware of changes that might affect their community.
  • The “formulaic” nature of the reports is vital for consistency and impartiality, preventing bias from creeping into the information provided.
• The importance of impartiality and accuracy:
  • The reporter’s adherence to factual reporting, using the official application details and a direct quote, demonstrates journalistic integrity.
  • Refusing the proprietor’s offer of “positive spin” and free refreshments upholds ethical standards and prevents conflicts of interest.
• The threat of “positive spin” and censorship:
  • The proprietor’s demand for “positive spin” reveals a desire to manipulate public perception and suppress potential objections. This is a direct attack on the public’s right to know.
  • The attempt to silence the reporter by accusing them of “coaxing negative representations” is a classic tactic used to intimidate journalists and discourage scrutiny.
• Legal threats as a tool of intimidation:
  • The proprietor’s threat of legal action is a common tactic used to silence journalists and discourage critical reporting.
  • It highlights the importance of news organisations having strong legal support to protect their journalists and uphold freedom of the press.
• The editor’s role in protecting journalistic integrity:
  • The editor’s support of the reporter and refusal to be bullied demonstrates the crucial role of editors in defending journalistic principles.
  • Her decision to stand firm and reject the proprietor’s demands reinforces the importance of upholding accuracy and impartiality.
• Public right to know vs. private interests:
  • This scenario presents a clear conflict between the public’s right to know and a private business’s desire to control its public image.
  • The reporter’s actions prioritise the public interest by providing accurate and unbiased information, enabling citizens to participate in the democratic process.
• The importance of the provided answer:
  • The suggested answer of a mixture of taking legal advice, and standing firm, is the correct action.
  • It is important that a news organisation does not bow to pressure from those who wish to manipulate the news.
  • It is also important that any legal threat is taken seriously, and that legal advice is sought.

In essence, this scenario is a microcosm of the ongoing struggle to maintain a free and independent press. It underscores the importance of:

• Upholding journalistic ethics and standards.
• Resisting attempts to manipulate or suppress information.
• Protecting the public’s right to know.
• Supporting local journalism.

The post Legal threats – scenario first appeared on Media Helping Media.