Fact-checking skills training

It is crucial that journalists have the necessary skills and tools to effectively fact-check, geolocate, and use open-source tools to combat mis- and disinformation. This training will train journalists in how to determine what claims are worthy of being fact-checked, how to geolocate images and use online maps to find locations, and how to evaluate and report on opinion polls and investigate political advertising on social media.

PA Training surveyed more than 100 journalists in winter 2022 and found that many lack knowledge of image metadata, also known as EXIF data, and require further training to enhance their skills in finding and analysing metadata for both images and videos.

The module includes real-world activities that challenge journalists to verify live misinformation on social media, allowing them to enhance their skills and problem solving abilities in real-world scenarios.

Fact-checking Best Practices:

1. Determine what claims are worthy of being fact checked and which ones aren’t
2. Back up your fact checking research by archiving important pieces of online content
3. Know the experts in the field and reach out to them

Geolocation:

1. Identify clues in images for geolocation
2. Clean images for better reverse image searches
3. Use online maps to find locations
4. Use open source intelligence tools to assist in geolocation

Combat Mis- and Disinformation in UK Elections:

1. Understand the spread and depth of election disinformation
2. Evaluate and report on opinion polls
3. Investigate political advertising on social media