The BBC World Service has announced a significant initiative to address the global crisis of misinformation, scheduling a day-long forum titled “Trust is Earned” to take place at the University of Lagos on September 3, 2026. This event serves as a cornerstone of the broadcaster’s ongoing mission to reinforce media literacy and provide audiences with the necessary tools to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape. By gathering a diverse cohort of journalists, educators, content creators, and technology experts, the forum aims to deconstruct how disinformation is manufactured and disseminated, with a specific focus on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in shaping public discourse.
Central to the day’s programming is a special recording of the popular series BBC World Questions. Moderated by veteran journalist Jonny Dymond, the session will feature a panel of prominent Nigerian business leaders, activists, influencers, and journalists. The live audience will be invited to participate in a high-stakes debate surrounding the erosion of trust in political institutions and the specific threats posed by fake news in the lead-up to Nigeria’s upcoming elections. This platform intends to foster a transparent dialogue about the responsibilities of both media organizations and the public in safeguarding democratic processes.
Beyond the panel discussions, the forum will offer attendees a multifaceted look at modern investigative techniques. The BBC Eye investigations team will host an exclusive preview of their latest documentary, offering an intimate look at how deep-dive reporting uncovers truth in the age of digital deception. Furthermore, attendees will have access to practical workshops focused on Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT). These sessions will demystify the methods used by BBC journalists to verify facts and track disinformation, equipping participants with the foundational skills to assess information critically before sharing it within their own networks.
A significant portion of the forum will be dedicated to the intersection of technology and democracy. Experts will lead panels examining how AI is being weaponized to create sophisticated propaganda and the potential societal fallout from these technological advancements. As AI continues to blur the lines between reality and fabrication, the BBC is positioning itself as a leader in media advocacy, emphasizing that the fight against misinformation is no longer just a journalistic duty but a essential life skill for the general public. By facilitating these sessions, the BBC hopes to create a more resilient information environment in West Africa.
Fiona Crack, the Interim Global Director of BBC News, underscored the urgency of the initiative, describing disinformation as “the biggest challenge facing journalism in our time.” She noted that the power of misinformation to confuse and provoke conflict makes the BBC’s dual role—serving as a trusted news source and an educator—more critical than ever. According to Crack, the “Trust is Earned” forum is designed to empower individuals with the critical thinking capabilities needed to thrive in an era of digital noise, ensuring that citizens remain informed and guarded against manipulation.
Those wishing to attend the event can register for free tickets starting August 14, 2026, through the official BBC Shows and Tours website. Given the high demand, availability is limited, and early registration is encouraged. The Lagos forum follows a similar event held in São Paulo earlier in August, marking the second such major global engagement for the BBC this year. As the World Service continues its international tour, the “Trust is Earned” initiative stands as a definitive statement of the broadcaster’s commitment to defending the integrity of information in the global south and beyond.
