Navigating the Disinformation Deluge: How One Small Brazilian News Outlet Confronts Misinformation in the Amazon
The rise of disinformation, particularly since the 2018 election of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has significantly eroded trust in Brazilian institutions. This manufactured reality poses a grave threat to democracy, impacting public health, environmental policy, and the safety of journalists. The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), through its Disarming Disinformation project, has investigated how newsrooms are combatting this menace. This article focuses on the experiences of Tapajós de Fato, a small, non-profit digital news outlet operating in the volatile Amazon region of Pará, Brazil, where disinformation campaigns often intertwine with real-world violence.
Tapajós de Fato confronts not only politically motivated disinformation but also campaigns promoting extractive industries and undermining environmental protection efforts. The organization’s journalists face numerous threats, including online harassment, physical intimidation, and even acts of violence. Co-founder Marcos Wesley endured stalking, car sabotage, and the gruesome discovery of a severed cat’s head accompanied by a threatening note. This escalating violence forced him to relocate for his and his family’s safety. Other team members have experienced equipment theft and knife attacks, highlighting the perilous conditions for journalists working in this region. The 2022 murder of British journalist Dom Phillips and Indigenous journalist Bruno Pereira serves as a stark reminder of the extreme dangers faced by those reporting in the Amazon.
Despite these daunting challenges, Tapajós de Fato continues its critical work, employing innovative strategies to counter disinformation. Rejecting the traditional notion of journalistic neutrality, the outlet embraces cause-oriented journalism, refusing to present "both sides" of an issue when one side is demonstrably false or misleading. This approach directly challenges the disinformation narratives that frequently portray traditional communities as unproductive and justify their displacement for mining and agribusiness. By amplifying the voices of these communities and exposing the negative impacts of extractive industries, Tapajós de Fato provides a crucial counter-narrative.
The organization’s methods extend beyond digital platforms. Recognizing that many communities in the Amazon lack internet access, Tapajós de Fato utilizes low-tech solutions like radio broadcasts, USB drives containing audio content, and printed booklets to disseminate vital information. This offline outreach has been particularly effective in countering health disinformation, including false narratives about COVID-19 vaccines. Through partnerships with organizations like the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Tapajós de Fato delivers accurate, locally relevant health information to vulnerable communities, fostering critical thinking and empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
Collaboration is another cornerstone of Tapajós de Fato’s strategy. By working with local community radio stations and organizing discussion circles, the outlet ensures its message reaches deep into the heart of the Amazon. They employ "deep listening" techniques to understand the specific concerns and perceptions of community members, tailoring their content to address these issues directly. This participatory approach fosters trust and strengthens community resilience against disinformation. For example, they addressed climate change concerns by creating booklets reflecting local observations of environmental shifts, sparking important conversations about the impacts on their livelihoods.
The challenges faced by Tapajós de Fato are representative of broader trends in Brazil and globally. ICFJ’s research reveals a high level of public concern about disinformation in Brazil, with the majority of adults expressing worry about encountering false or misleading news. Attacks on news organizations and journalists, often orchestrated to undermine their credibility and expose them to greater risk, are also widespread. These attacks, particularly when emanating from senior politicians or government officials, represent a significant threat to media freedom. The vulnerability of independent journalism in the Amazon region, exacerbated by targeted disinformation campaigns, undermines media plurality and the free flow of information.
Tapajós de Fato’s experience demonstrates that combating disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. Innovative strategies, including challenging traditional journalistic norms, engaging directly with communities, and employing low-tech solutions to reach remote areas, are crucial. However, small, independent news outlets like Tapajós de Fato require more support to sustain their vital work. Financial stability, safety training, and technical assistance are essential to ensure their continued operation. Governments, international organizations, and civil society must collaborate to protect journalists working on the front lines of the fight against disinformation, particularly in high-risk environments like the Amazon rainforest.
The fight against disinformation is not simply a matter of journalistic integrity; it’s a battle for the very foundations of democracy and the future of the Amazon. The courageous work of Tapajós de Fato serves as an inspiring example of how small, independent news outlets can play a crucial role in countering the spread of misinformation and empowering communities to resist manipulation. Their dedication, despite facing significant risks and limited resources, highlights the urgency of supporting and protecting journalists who are committed to truth and transparency in an increasingly hostile information landscape. Their story emphasizes the importance of supporting independent journalism, ensuring access to credible information, and fostering a culture of critical thinking, all crucial elements in safeguarding democracy and promoting informed civic participation. Without this support, the critical voices challenging disinformation and protecting vulnerable communities may be silenced, leaving the field open for further manipulation and the erosion of democratic values.