Fact-checking is an essential aspect of journalism, especially in the era of constant mis/disinformation. It is the process of verifying how accurate a piece of information is and ensures what is published is reliable.
In journalism, fact-checking and verification are essential in preventing mis/disinformation which may adversely affect the societies we live in.
The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJAC), with support from UNESCO Dakar, organized a three-day advanced fact-checking and verification training for 25 journalists in The Gambia.
This training is in line with UNESCO’s Infrastructures for Peace project which aims to promote social cohesion by combatting hate speech misinformation and disinformation by building the capacity of CSOs such as media organizations. It is also in line with SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
During the opening ceremony, Project Manager Meita Touray informed the journalists that their role is crucial in disseminating information and that it is their responsibility to expose fake news misinformation and disinformation. She highlighted the need for fact-checking to continue and how UNESCO is a key partner in supporting the work of MAJAC.
Source: unesco.org
