About

How do we Fact Check

USP of NewsMobile is that our fact checks are crisp and short as they have been designed for a mobile interface.We keep the language simple so they can be easily understood by all readers. We use innovative formats like Insta fact checks so viewers can easily understand them.

We evaluate claims on their reach and importance of the claim and their ability to cause any life threatening or a serious situation.

We follow strict guidelines for our Fact Checks which are selected by the editorial team.

Baseline to decide 

• How important is the story
• Can it create a potentially dangerous situation (likelihood of a communal riot or harm a community)
• Can it create panic in communities or sections of the society
• Can it misinterpret reality and hence cause damage to people, places and situations.
• Can it create news trends on social media, which is potentially fake or misleading.

Process to Fact Check 

In order to ensure complete impartiality, we use the TRIAGE system for fact checking. Fact checks are selected based on larger public interest by our fact check editorial team in collaboration with our fact checkers. We prioritize based on impact and virality.

Track the source: We track the source of the claim and then cross-check with multiple sources. If a public figure or person of authority has made the claim then we reach out to them directly to confirm the claim. If there is video evidence, publicly available transcript, report or data, then we take a deep-dive approach to find the exact quote and context. If need be, we contact the organisation that has published the report to understand the disclaimer.

Use of Tools/technology: We use Google and other tools like Google Reverse Image Search, inVID to knock down and derail fake claims. We sift through reams of data and databases to support a claim or debunk a claim. If there is not enough data to take a clear stand, we state that too.

Three layered process: In order to ensure we weed out personal biases, the fact checks are screened by a three layer system. This helps to ensure objectivity and authenticity. We also reach out to primary sources to verify claims.

For e.g. – ICMR – http://newsmobile.in/articles/2020/09/09/fact-check-has-icmr-issued-these-covid-19-guidelines-dont-believe-this-fake-forward/

http://newsmobile.in/articles/2020/04/16/fake-alert-max-hospital-in-ghaziabad-is-not-sealed-due-to-positive-covid-19-case/

 

Panel of Experts: This is often important because as a news organisation we do not claim expertise in every field. However, we have a network of experts who understand our commitment to factual accuracy and help us maintain high standards.

Preparing a fact sheet: We then put it down in a systematic format and present the facts in a written report or story form. This is duly substantiated with evidences, as listed above.

Correction Policy: Facts and truth are at the center of NewsMobile’s editorial policy. Our team of journalists have broken stories on corruption at high places, questioned those in power and are fearless, unbiased and objective. We have an impeccable record as a credible media outlet. However, as a responsible media outfit, we are open to corrections. We invite readers to write to us at [email protected] with a date and link to the story. We will fact-check the claim and correct it, in case any discrepancy is found.

In case you are not satisfied with our fact checks, you can email our correction editor at [email protected]

Correction Advisory: While we have been very particular about correcting inadvertent errors right from the word go, irrespective of whether it was pointed out by our readers, our network of experts, competition or by our own team members, we have recently started adding an ‘editor’s note’ at the end of stories that have been corrected. This is in the interest of transparency and in tandem with the global best practices.

Fact Checking Hotline: We have a Fact Check Alert number for Whats app +91-1171279799. Readers are invited to forward a new story or a message on social media that they would like to get fact-checked. They can also e-mail it at [email protected] with the title Fact Check and our Fact Checking team will check the story and publish the truth.

NewsMobile is active on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

How can our readers fact check NewsMobile has always striven to simplify the fact checking process, in order to involve our viewers and readers as well. Here are some steps –

1. Check the video/picture carefully, they might give some clues like billboards, number plates, shop names etc. Also, in the case of videos, listen to the audio carefully; they might also give some hint.
2. Run a keyword search on Google; see if there are some credible sources to support the claim.
3. In the case of pictures, try doing a Reverse Image Search.
4. In the case of important government-related notices & guidelines, look for the primary source. Always try to find the primary source.

Apart from this, we interviewed Cristina Tardáguila, IFCN Associate Director, to advice the public on how to fact check. Here is the link – https://fb.watch/24vKcU6cRO/

Factwise

 

Factwise is a joint initiative of Google and NewsMobile to enhance media literacy around the spread of fake news in the region. Fake news travels at lightning speed. For eg: in the context of COVID-19 misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.

This special training session will help public officials and key persons in Bangladesh to bust FAKE NEWS myths, identify consequences and effects of misinformation and get a practical understanding of basic fact checking tools.

NewsMobile is a signatory of the IFCN code of principles and has front line expertise in creating media literacy content and delivering related training in fact-checking and counter-misinformation operations across many countries.

Intent:

Design and deliver a training course which is impactful, scalable, manageable and flexible
Empower trainers and influencers with a sophisticated understanding of the contemporary media literacy landscape and robust pedagogical strategies and translate that understanding into clear, actionable advice, applicable and accessible to any audience in Bangladesh.

 

Covishaala

Covishaala is an initiative led by Logically and NewsMobile, presented in partnership with Facebook.

It is part of Facebook’s global campaign to help bring 50 million people a step closer to getting COVID-19 vaccines.

Both NewsMobile and Logically are signatories of the IFCN code of principles and have front line expertise in creating media literacy content and delivering media literacy training in fact-checking and counter-misinformation operations.

Intent:

Design and deliver a training course which is impactful, scalable, manageable and flexible

Empower trainers and influencers with a sophisticated understanding of the contemporary media literacy landscape and robust pedagogical strategies to translate that understanding into clear, actionable advice, applicable and accessible to any audience in India.

Covidwise

Covidwise is a joint initiative of Google and NewsMobile to enhance media literacy around the spread of fake news especially in the context of COVID-19 misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. This special training session will help public officials and key personalities in Bangladesh to bust COVID myths and vaccine misinformation.

NewsMobile is a signatory of the IFCN code of principles and has front line expertise in creating media literacy content and delivering related training in fact-checking and counter-misinformation operations across many countries.

Intent:

Design and deliver a training course which is impactful, scalable, manageable and flexible

Empower trainers and influencers with a sophisticated understanding of the contemporary media literacy landscape and robust pedagogical strategies and translate that understanding into clear, actionable advice, applicable and accessible to any audience in Bangladesh

Doctors

 

Ananya Dasgupta

Ananya has nearly two decades of experience in various roles in broadcast journalism.She was an Anchor-Correspondent for India’s national broadcaster Doordarshan News.She was also part of the launch team of  CNN-IBN – now one of the top English news channels in India.Ananya a BBC-trained graduate of the Asian College of Journalism. She also trained at Cardiff University on a Chevening scholarship from the British govt.

Vinay Kumar

Vinay is a journalist with three decades of experience. He has worked with PTI need agency and with The Hindu newspaper as it’s national Bureau Chief. A widely travelled journalist, he has covered Parliament, internal security, politics and strategic affairs. Currently, he is Consulting Editor with NewsMobile.

Christine Leo-McKerrow

Christine Leo-McKerrow is a media veteran, with deep experience in the business of content, broadcast and entertainment in Asia-Pacific.She has held senior positions in international media organisations, including starting and leading the BBC channels business across the region. She worked with Singtel and Hopster to enhance their mobile/app based ventures.With a background in marketing, she now advises SMEs in designing and building their digital presence – branding, websites, social.She provides strategic advisory services for media businesses keen to grow in the region.Christine is a Singaporean who grew up in the UK. Since returning to Singapore, she has managed teams across the globe.

Vrishali Puranik

Vrishali Puranik Project Lead, Covidwise, India
Has worked with the Indian national media for over 23 years. During her tenure at NDTV, she was involved with setting up broadcast and digital businesses within India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Malaysia and Dubai. She has set up over 10 English and regional platforms till date.

Shweta Mishra

Shweta is a journalism graduate from India’s top college- Lady Shri Ram College (University of Delhi). She has been working with NewsMobile as a news writer & a Fact Checker. She underwent Google training for identifying and checking the fake news.

Aadvik Narain Shukla

Aadvik Narain Shukla, researcher of misinformation and fact checking. Deep fake detection project with UC California Berkeley startup fake net Ai and Covishaala, media literacy and covid misinformation detection project. Aadvik has provided research and youth perspective to the NewsMobile team. A IB scholar in XII grade, the Shri Ram school, Moulsari India. He interviewed senior IFCN advisor Peter Cunlif Jones. His deep focus on the subject has been a valuable asset to our fact checking team.

RASHI HARSHA

Fact-Checker

Rashi Harsha is a journalism graduate from India’s top college Inderprastha College for Women (Delhi University). She has been working with NewsMobile as a Fact Checker. She underwent Google training for identifying and checking the fake news.

Email: [email protected]

Anubha Pandey

Anubha Pandey is a journalism graduate and has over 3 years of experience in combating fake news. She has been working with NewsMobile as a Fact Checker and a senior correspondent. Apart from fact-checks, she covers travel, climate, and tech-related stories.

Yusha Rahman

Yusha Rahman is an engineer turned journalist who has a knack for fact checking.While she loves to curb the fake news menace, she also loves to write environment stories to create awareness among people about the climate crisis.

ANISHA NAYAR DHAWAN

Correction Editor

Anisha Nayar Dhawan is a seasoned TV News Anchor and Journalist with nearly two decades of experience across leading TV Networks like NDTV Profit, TV Today, DD News and Zee Business. She is well versed with fact-checking news articles. Anisha holds a diploma in Broadcast Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communications and a Bachelors in Economics from the prestigious Lady Shri Ram College for Women.

She works independent of NewsMobile newsroom as our Correction Editor to ensure our fact checks meet the highest standards of integrity.

Email: [email protected]

PRADEEP SINGH

Technical Director

PK, as he is fondly called, is a tech war veteran from the Silicon Valley and IIT Delhi. He provides the tech edge for our fact-checking. He keeps the tech fundas up to speed and delivers on our crazy ideas of creating different content with cutting-edge technology.