IN commemoration of its one year anniversary, The FactCheckHub is set to host a verification masterclass.
The matersclass titled, “How to identify and debunk misinformation,” will take place on Zoom and Facebook on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
Registration for the masterclass which is FREE and open to all can be done via here.
Established in 2020, The FactCheckHub is an initiative of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (The ICIR) aimed at combatting misinformation in the society.
Since it launching in August of 2020, The FactCheckHub has verified claims across varied subjects and even coutside the shores of Nigeria. The Fact-Checks can be read here are also amplified in multiple languages.
The FactCheckHub is a non-partisan platform for fact-checking with the primary aim of combating misinformation, disinformation, hoaxes and rumours about topical issues including COVID-19, elections, health and governance, among others.
Speaking on the masterclass, Bamas Victoria, the Editor and Team Lead of The FactCheckHub stated that the masterclass, which is free, poised to empower the participants with basic fact-checking skills.
“In this age, the traditional media no longer have monopoly of technology for multiplying and distribution of news as was obtainable in the past, this simply means this hitherto exclusive access has now been extended to anyone with a phone and access to the internet.
The downside of this development is the infodemic – people are constantly faced with information from multiple sources. And because everyone now have access to share information online, misinformation and disinformation thrive; this has contributed to the reason why ‘fake news’ has become a buzzword and why media and independent fact-checking organisations are springing up to help combat and checkmate this trend. “
She added that all hands must be on deck in combating misinformation and in ensuring only factual information trends whether online or offline.
“However, this is not enough. All hands need to be on deck in combating misinformation. Therefore, the ability and skills to be able to discern what is factual and what is not is now a necessity for individuals in this global age.”
Opeyemi Kehinde, the Deputy Editor and Amplification Lead and Olugbenga Adanikin, a Researcher, Investigative journalist and Fact-Checker host the classes.
Interested participants can register here.
