Latin American Alliance Against Disinformation: A Decade of Collaborative Growth and Impact
The past year marks a significant milestone for the Latin American fact-checking network, LatamChequea, celebrating its 10th anniversary. A meeting held in São Paulo, Brazil, brought together over 50 organizations from Latin America, Spain, and the United States, underscoring the network’s growing influence and collaborative spirit. Eight new organizations joined the coalition this year, strengthening the collective fight against misinformation across the region. LatamChequea continues to focus on fortifying the fact-checking ecosystem by empowering organizations to expand their reach and impact. These efforts to institutionalize the network highlight its commitment to tackling disinformation through a unified front, fostering knowledge sharing, and developing effective countermeasures.
Empowering Journalists on the Front Lines: A Fact-Checking Accelerator Program
Recognizing the crucial role of journalists in combating misinformation, MediaFact Latam launched a comprehensive accelerator program. Targeting 50 media outlets and over 100 journalists across Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, the program provides essential training, resources, and mentorship. This initiative focuses on equipping journalists with the skills and tools necessary for rapid and efficient information verification. Developed in partnership with leading fact-checking organizations like Colombia Check, Mala Espina, Ojo Público, and Verificado MX, the program reflects a collaborative approach to supporting journalistic integrity and bolstering efforts to counter misinformation at its source. The program’s impact is significant, providing vital training to journalists working in the heart of the information battleground.
Strengthening Local Journalism: A Network for Public Interest Reporting
A newly established journalism and innovation network focuses on enhancing public interest journalism through collaboration with local media and strategic partners. This network prioritizes verifying public discourse, creating content tailored for younger audiences, and conducting in-depth investigative reporting. ADN Sur (Chubut), Ruido (Córdoba), Aire (Santa Fe), Todo Jujuy, and Corrientes al Día are among the partners contributing to this initiative. By empowering local media with resources and support, the network aims to elevate the quality of information reaching communities, fostering informed decision-making and strengthening democratic processes.
Media and Information Literacy: Empowering Critical Thinking in the Classroom
Recognizing the importance of media literacy in combating disinformation, MIL in Action, a digital platform, was launched. Featuring over 30 resources developed by 20 Argentinian organizations, the platform supports educators in promoting critical thinking skills among students. By equipping the educational community with the tools to navigate the complex information landscape, MIL in Action empowers younger generations to identify misinformation and make informed choices. This initiative underscores the importance of early intervention in fostering media literacy and building resilience against manipulative content.
Expanding the Reach of Fact-Checking Education: A Network of Trainers
The fact-checking trainers network continues to grow, expanding its reach to Bolivia and Chile this year. With 37 professors from 24 universities now involved, the program has reached 894 students. This initiative focuses on training journalism and communication professors in fact-checking methodologies, enabling them to integrate these crucial skills into their curricula. By training future journalists and communicators, the network ensures a continued pipeline of professionals equipped to uphold journalistic integrity and combat misinformation. Additionally, continued collaboration with 12 public and private universities across Argentina further strengthens the network’s impact on the educational landscape.
Promoting Accurate Public Discourse: Fact-Checking at the IDEA Colloquium
For the second consecutive year, the organization partnered with the Argentine Institute for Business Development (IDEA) to verify information shared at its annual colloquium. This collaboration ensures the accuracy of information disseminated during this influential event. Furthermore, explanatory content on critical issues such as informality, poverty, youth impact, the labor market, formal employment, and non-wage labor costs was produced, providing context and clarity on complex socioeconomic topics. This commitment to fact-checking in high-profile settings emphasizes the importance of accurate information in shaping public discourse.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Exploring the Science of Disinformation
An interdisciplinary gathering brought together experts from various fields to explore the science of disinformation. Researchers studying this phenomenon from diverse perspectives collaborated and shared insights, fostering a more holistic understanding of the complex dynamics of misinformation. This event highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in developing evidence-based strategies to combat disinformation effectively. By bringing together diverse expertise, the gathering aimed to identify more robust and comprehensive solutions.
Investigative Journalism: Uncovering Disinformation Dynamics in the Region
Mentorship and support were provided to 10 investigative journalism groups across Latin America, resulting in the publication of 20 in-depth reports on disinformation. These investigations delve into the specific narratives, actors, and dynamics of disinformation within individual countries, providing crucial insights into the regional landscape of misinformation. By supporting investigative journalism, the organization empowers journalists to expose the complexities of disinformation campaigns and hold those responsible accountable. These reports contribute valuable knowledge and inform more targeted interventions against misinformation.
