UNIC Pretoria hosts a Fact-checking and Verification training workshop to equip Journalists with reliable reporting techniques

UNIC Pretoria hosts a Fact-checking and Verification training workshop to equip Journalists with reliable reporting techniques

Journalists must ensure accuracy, maintain credibility, counter misinformation, uphold ethical standards, avoid bias, and mitigate legal risks, all integral aspects of their work.

The United Nation Information Centre (UNIC) and Africa Check hosted a Fact-Checking and Verification training workshop for South African journalists, honing fact-checking abilities on the 15th of November 2023 in Johannesburg. This initiative forms part of an ongoing communication drive aimed at combatting misinformation and disinformation. The training was facilitated by Carina van Wyk, head of education and training at Africa Check.

Elections consistently foster an atmosphere where false information thrives, and we foresee the upcoming South African elections continuing this trend. Emphasizing the crucial role of journalists, especially during such times, we highlight their responsibility in providing accurate information to the public.

“Everything we report on, impacts people’s lives. We cannot misquote information as journalists.” – Marcia Zali, freelance journalist.

Fact-checking and verification stand as indispensable practices for journalists, crucial in preserving the integrity, credibility, and influence of their work while honoring the public's entitlement to trustworthy information. It represents a core tenet of responsible journalism within democratic contexts, where journalists act as guardians against the detrimental impacts of false information. Their commitment ensures a well-informed public capable of making decisions founded on accuracy and reliability, thereby safeguarding the vitality of democratic societies, and reinforcing the ethos of responsible journalism.

“People rely on the media and journalists to inform them. If we misquote information, we mislead the public.” – Marizka Coetzer, journalist from The Citizen.

The United Nations advocates for fact-checking and verification as essential tools in promoting accurate information and combating misinformation. The UN stresses the importance of verifying information before sharing it, especially in today's digital age where misinformation can spread rapidly and have significant consequences.

The workshop aimed at providing participants with a deep understanding of the mechanisms driving the spread of misinformation, encompassing motivations and contributing factors. Additionally, it seeks to equip attendees with practical skills to discern misinformation from credible sources on diverse online platforms. Furthermore, the objective includes mastering the use of online verification tools and techniques to authenticate the accuracy and origins of internet-based images and videos, ultimately aiding in curbing the circulation of false information.

 "Journalists have a responsibility over and above just reporting." Carina van Wyk, Head of education and training, Africa check.

As we anticipate in the upcoming South African elections to perpetuate the spread of false information, it remains imperative to underscore the pivotal responsibility entrusted to journalists, especially in such critical times. The essence of fact-checking and verification cannot be overstated, as these practices are the bedrock of maintaining the integrity, credibility, and impact of journalism while fulfilling the public's right to dependable information. Within the democratic fabric, journalists function as a support against the malicious effects of misinformation, ensuring that the public remains well-informed and capable of making informed decisions rooted in accuracy and trustworthiness. Their unwavering dedication is crucial in strengthening democratic societies, maintaining their health, and ensuring responsible journalism standards are upheld.Top of Form

“We greatly appreciate your interest in the fact-checking media training workshop. Your active involvement signifies a collective dedication to countering misinformation, which is pivotal in safeguarding journalistic integrity, especially given the upcoming elections. We are enthusiastic about this collaboration and eagerly anticipate a fruitful and enlightening session as we join forces in the pursuit of reliable and credible information” – Masimba Tafirenyika, UNIC Director.

The UN continues to encourage collaboration between governments, civil society, media organizations, and technology companies to develop strategies and initiatives aimed at improving fact-checking mechanisms and promoting accurate information dissemination. Additionally, various UN agencies have addressed the importance of verified information in specific contexts, such as during humanitarian crises, health emergencies, and conflicts, where accurate information can be critical for public safety and well-being.