On September 3, 2026, the BBC World Service will convene a landmark, day-long forum titled “Trust is Earned” at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. This high-profile event aims to tackle the global crisis of misinformation and its corrosive effects on public discourse. By bringing together a diverse cohort of journalists, educators, technology experts, and content creators, the BBC intends to dissect the mechanics of modern disinformation and examine how artificial intelligence is increasingly being weaponized to distort the truth, particularly in the lead-up to Nigeria’s upcoming elections.
A centerpiece of the event will be a live recording of BBC World Questions, hosted by journalist Jonny Dymond. Featuring a panel of prominent Nigerian business leaders, activists, influencers, and journalists, the session will invite audience members to participate in a robust debate. The dialogue is expected to center on the erosion of trust in political systems and the practical challenges of safeguarding democratic integrity against the backdrop of an era defined by rapid-fire fake news and digital manipulation.
Beyond the main panel, the forum will host a series of specialized sessions, including an exclusive preview of a new documentary from the award-winning BBC Eye investigations team. Additional panel discussions will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and democracy, focusing on the tactical threats posed by propaganda in the digital age. These sessions are designed to move beyond theory, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of how malicious actors exploit digital platforms to influence public opinion and polarize communities.
To ensure the forum leaves a lasting impact on media literacy, the BBC will host interactive workshops dedicated to the technical side of truth-seeking. These sessions will provide participants with training in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)—the same rigorous investigative techniques used by BBC journalists to verify facts and debunk false reports. By teaching attendees how to identify disinformation and navigate complex digital information landscapes, the BBC aims to provide the public with the tools necessary to assess information with a critical eye.
Fiona Crack, the Interim Global Director of BBC News, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, describing disinformation as the most significant challenge facing contemporary journalism. She noted that misinformation does not merely confuse audiences; it has the dangerous potential to conflate reality and incite conflict. Crack asserted that the BBC’s mission extends beyond merely being a trusted source of news; the organization is committed to empowering global audiences to recognize and resist the influence of fabricated narratives in their daily lives.
The Lagos event follows a similar forum scheduled for São Paulo earlier that August, marking a concerted effort by the BBC to combat disinformation on a global scale. Members of the public interested in attending the Lagos event can secure free, limited tickets through the BBC Shows and Tours website starting Friday, August 14. As digital media continues to evolve, the “Trust is Earned” series stands as a vital initiative in the BBC’s ongoing commitment to fostering a more informed and resilient public.
