Purposes, Principles, and Difficulties of Fact-checking inIbero-America: Journalists’Perceptions

Abstract

Fact-checking journalism has become a common practice tocounteract misinformation. This research analyzes theperceptions of fact-checkers in Ibero-America on the purposes,principles, and challenges of fact-checking. Specifically, westudiediftherearedifferences in perception based onadherence to the International Fact-Checking Network’s (IFCN)Code of Principles, how frequently fact-checkers perform fact-checks, as well as their experience and age. Data were collectedthrough a questionnaire that received 122 responses from fact-checkers in 17 countries. Results indicate that journalists’experience appears to be a variable that can help understandthe boundaries between fact-checking and political and socialactivism in Ibero-America. Less-experienced fact-checkers weremore likely to consider activism to be a purpose of fact-checking. Age was a predictive factor for explaining reformistperceptions of the essence of fact-checking in Ibero-America,with younger fact-checkers more likely to state that the purposeof fact-checking is to uphold the ideals of journalism and serveas a commitment to information transparency. Pledging toadhere to IFCN’sCodeofPrincipleswasfoundtofacilitatetheuse and analysis of fact-checking tools. The implications of thesefindings are discussed