Why Nukta Africa is fact-checking skills for journalists

DAR ES SALAAM: IN an era where information spreads like wildfire, journalists face the critical task of separating facts from fiction. As Jim Rogers wisely advises, “Never act upon wishful thinking.

Act without checking the facts, and chances are that you will be swept away along with the mob.” This sentiment underscores the importance of rigorous fact-checking in journalism. But when did fact-checking and journalism diverge?

Jon Stewart provocatively asks, “When did fact checking and journalism go their separate ways?” Apparently, in a rapidly evolving world driven by creativity and innovation, particularly reliant on advancements in science and technology, the challenges have multiplied, making it increasingly difficult to keep pace with the rapid changes.

The field of information and communication, crucial to public discourse, has been significantly impacted by the relentless march of technological progress.

The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, exacerbated by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), has emerged as a pressing concern for journalists across various platforms, from established media outlets to freelance practitioners.

The unchecked dissemination of news and events by individuals lacking journalistic training through interconnected networks has led to community unrest, either due to unethical practices or the propagation of false information.

While this form of information sharing has at times served to expose societal wrongs that might otherwise have gone unnoticed, it has also had detrimental effects, intentionally or inadvertently causing harm by spreading falsehoods and sowing discord among communities.

The consequences of such misinformation are far-reaching, posing threats to lives, influencing critical decision-making processes, instilling unnecessary fear, and engendering other negative outcomes.

Recognising the urgent need to tackle the spread of misinformation and disinformation, Nukta Africa, in collaboration with Africa Check, recently conducted a Two-day Fact-checking and Verification Masterclass tailored for online journalists.

ALSO READ: Media owners urged to invest in technology 

This training programme aimed to enhance factchecking skills, elevate the quality of reporting, and equip journalists with tools to combat false narratives. During the opening remarks, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Nukta Africa, Ms Maphosa Banduka, highlighted the importance of the training initiative.

She emphasized the necessity for journalists to comprehend the various forms of false information, understand the mechanisms behind its dissemination, and master techniques to debunk online falsehoods.

In her address, Ms Banduka stressed that ensuring media literacy among journalists is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

She further emphasized the role journalists play in upholding the integrity of the information they share with the public and the responsibility they bear in combating the spread of misinformation in society.

“Media literacy factchecking in particular is essential for journalists to navigate the complexities of the digital age and combat misinformation effectively,” she said.

It’s a new week, and our Fact-Checking training has shifted from students to journalists based in Dar es Salaam. We are excited to share this knowledge and drive positive change! pic.twitter.com/gDN81zw4rT

— Nukta Africa (@NuktaAfrica) May 28, 2024

Ms Banduka also underscored the significance of following a rigorous factchecking process to ensure accuracy in reporting. Participants were trained to utilize online verification tools and geolocation techniques to authenticate the origins of visual content, including images and videos, particularly those generated by AI.

The ultimate goal of Nukta Africa is to gauge the extent to which journalists internalize the principles of fact-checking to enhance information integrity and to foster confidence among the public in the news they consume.

Literally, the training programme held in Nukta Africa headquarters at Mwananyamala Sokoni in the city involved about eleven journalists from various media houses poised for the vitality of fact-checking, exploring its role in maintaining the credibility of news stories and ensuring accurate storytelling. During the programme the Fact-checking Trainer at Nukta Africa, Daniel Mwingira, underscored the importance of Fact-Checking noting that it is the cornerstone of journalistic integrity.

ALSO READ: PM calls for enhanced access to information for journalists

He said, it serves as a shield against the dissemination of erroneous information, ensuring that news stories are based on verified facts rather than unfounded claims or sensationalized narratives.

“Fact-checking is crucial to maintaining the legitimacy and dependability of journalism in an age where unverified content floods social media and online news sources,” he expressed during the training.

Detailing the impact on the dissemination of accurate information, he said that the practice of meticulous fact-checking plays a pivotal role in upholding the public’s right to access accurate and reliable information.

Thus, he stressed that, by rigorously verifying the authenticity of claims and statements, journalists contribute to the dissemination of truthful and substantiated news reports, thereby empowering the audience to make informed decisions and form educated opinions.

Elaborating on Consequences of Failing to Verify Facts, Mr Mwingira expressed that, the repercussions of failing to verify facts before reporting can be far-reaching and detrimental.

“Inaccurate reporting not only undermines the credibility of journalistic institutions but also has the potential to sow seeds of confusion, distrust, and discord among the public,” he said.

According to him, false information, if left unchecked, can perpetuate harmful myths, shape misguided perceptions, and even incite social or political unrest. Citing one of his articles, published in July 24th last year, titled “Beware outsized claims: mango peel may have anti-cancer properties, but there isn’t enough evidence that it prevents or ‘fights’ cancers,” he said journalists should be curious and conduct more research before publication.

“This article took me approximately three months, collecting data and conducting interviews with various experts both within and outside Tanzania,” he noted.

Furthermore, Mr Mwingira who doubles as the Chief Learning Officer of Nukta Africa, made a call for journalists to enhance their fact-checking skills. He said given the formidable challenges posed by the rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation, it is imperative for journalists to fortify their fact-checking skills.

Embracing thorough verification processes, leveraging reliable sources, and exercising discernment in the face of unverified claims are essential steps towards safeguarding the integrity and reliability of journalism in the digital age.

For his part, Esau Ng’umbi, the Fact-Checking Trainer at Nukta Africa, besides teaching various AI techniques and models like Deepfakes and Cheap fakes, advised the participants in the training to verify the accuracy of content. Given the current state of technology, fake content closely resembles genuine content, which can mislead people.

“As news consumption habits change, journalists must adapt to new platforms and formats. AI can help personalize content delivery, but it also requires journalists to understand how to leverage these tools effectively,” he said.

ALSO READ: Journalists urged to adhere to ethics

One of the trainees, Athanath Mkiramweni, thanked Nukta Africa and Africa Check for the training, promising that it has been a valuable beginning for her career, as she has learned many techniques for fact-checking.

Kudos to Nukta Africa, as the imperative to uphold the veracity of news reporting has never been more pressing. Fact-checking stands as a bulwark against the encroachment of falsehoods and unsubstantiated claims, serving as a beacon of truth in the ever-evolving landscape of journalism.

As society grapples with the deluge of information, the role of fact-checking in journalism remains indispensable in preserving the sanctity of accurate and trustworthy news reporting.