The Spread of Fake News Has Had Deadly Consequences in Mexico. Meet the People Trying to Stop It.

Human-based fact checking offers a more dynamic and thorough way to determine the credibility of news outlets than the use of machine learning software. Although humans are still prone to implicit biases, NewsGuard’s model of employing a team of human fact-checkers to rate news websites pushes back against the tendency of algorithms to disseminate false or misleading content. A user-installed plug-in offers details about the credibility and transparency of over 2,000 websites.

Ahead of Nigeria’s general election, a group of 12 media platforms and civil society organizations worked together as the Nigeria Factcheckers Coalition to debunk false information targeting voters. The coalition, which provided training and tools to participating journalists, fact-checked 127 during the week of the elections.

In an age where small, rural newspapers are shrinking and disappearing, local paper Harvey County Now started engaging more with its audience to find ways to better meet their news needs to keep money flowing and the newspaper afloat. From sending out e-newsletters, hosting local events and launching a premium membership program called Press Club, which grants access to benefits like concert tickets and exclusive events, Harvey County Now managed to increase its profits while simultaneously keeping its audience and print paper intact.

CekFakta is a collaborative network that fights misinformation with around 6,000 fact-checkers from major Indonesian media organizations, citizens, and academics. The group holds training sessions to help journalists identify doctored images and misinformation, with the idea that participants will pass the skills on to their colleagues. CekFakta impacted 2019 presidential debates with large-scale, real-time, collaborative fact-checking that enabled a quick release of fact-checked information. The collaborative process is key to helping people find high-quality information amid so much online content.

There isn’t a lot of media outlets providing age-appropriate news for children. So, four journalists came together to create “KidNuz,” a children’s news podcast. The show has garnered thousands of listeners. “Although KidNuz's listenership is mainly between the ages of eight and 12, children as young as five, and even adults, listen in.” The podcast provides children with news about “about politics, current events, or science, with inspiring humanity stories, for example, about people doing charitable work or helping animals.”

Four Corners television produced a documentary about the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China that uses footage filmed by residents. The clips, which show people with the virus being taken by police and bodies left on the street, were found on a YouTube channel where they were uploaded to prevent deletion by government censors. The company verified the location, time, and factual context of each clip, and wove them together with original reporting. The raw footage, shot on the ground with smart phones, was particularly memorable and the film received over 12 million views and high ratings in Australia.

Crises and problems are well-covered in the media. When the media focuses instead on organizations that are doing social good, it has a better effect because then these organizations are more likely to receive support and expand their access.

The UDEME Monitor program trains student journalists to track and report on transparency and accountability around publicly-funded projects. The team has produced roughly 1,000 stories exposing corruption and gaps in implementation and has worked directly with community residents to raise awareness around procurement processes.

11Alive, a Georgia news station, runs a program called "Verify" that helps residents get accurate information and slow the spread of disinformation. Viewers submit a form online or via an app to request any piece of information be debunked or verified. If deemed a verifiable request, a 13-member team of reporters, editors, and producers investigate it by reaching out to experts and other sources. Since disinformation spreads quickly, “Verify” uses Google Analytics and search engine optimization (SEO) to get the most exposure and gain traction when a verification article is posted.

The NewsRun is “a daily newsletter that summarizes Pakistan’s major stories of the day." It’s helping Pakistani people stay on top of the news. Some Pakistani people who live in the country get overwhelmed with the daily news cycle, while Pakistani’s living abroad might have a language barrier or lack the context to understand the news. The clear, direct language of the newsletter makes the news accessible. "The way it’s written is clear and it highlights all the key points I need to know." The newsletter has thousands of Instagram followers and a “20 to 30 percent daily open rate.”