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Journalists offer strategies to combat misinformation
By Maggie Amacher
To fight misinformation, journalists must prioritize accuracy, ask sharper questions, and make their reporting process more transparent. That was the core message from a discussion hosted by the Poynter Institute on Wednesday, July 2, in which reporters shared practical advice for navigating today’s fast-changing information landscape.
“Moments of Truth” brought together Chris Wallace, an award-winning broadcast journalist whose past roles include CNN, Fox News, and NBC; Tia Mitchell, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Washington D.C. Bureau Chief; and Lori Montenegro, Noticias Telemundo’s Washington D.C. Bureau Chief. The discussion was moderated by Poynter’s President, Neil Brown.
Together, they discussed how press freedom is being tested in the digital age and what it takes to find reliable information in a time of rapid technological change and growing misinformation.
Explain the journalistic process to the public. Opening up about how journalism works, how sources are vetted, and how stories are developed can strengthen public trust. “One of the things the press needs to do a better job at is explaining how we do our job. How do we get sources? What does it take to bring that story to the viewers or the readers?” Montenegro said.
Prioritize accuracy over speed. Journalists must resist the pressure to publish first and instead focus on getting the facts right. Accuracy builds long-term trust, while misinformation, once released, spreads faster than corrections. “I would like to see us step back and be more deliberate at being slow and making sure that we do have all of the facts,” Montenegro said.
Challenge misinformation in follow-up questions. When faced with false or misleading claims in interviews, journalists should address them through respectful follow-ups and clarifications. Maintain professionalism and objectivity while pursuing the truth. “If you catch it in your brain, it’s right for a follow-up or a clarification,” Mitchell said.
Be an advocate for credible journalism. Journalists can help audiences understand the value of vetted reporting, not only through producing strong work but by reminding readers why trustworthy journalism matters. Mitchell encouraged journalists to be upfront about the costs behind quality reporting and to urge their audiences to support outlets they rely on. “If you keep hitting that paywall, consider going ahead and putting your credit card down because clearly you like that media outlet,” Mitchell said.
Promote a habit of seeking diverse perspectives. Encourage readers to consume news from sources across the spectrum. Understanding multiple viewpoints helps you form more nuanced, informed opinions. Readers of The New York Times might gain insight by also reading the editorial page of The Wall Street Journal, Wallace said. “The best way to get a sense of what you want to base your judgments on is to get both sides of the argument and make the decision for yourself,” Wallace said.
Work with others to cut through the noise. Many newsrooms are beginning to collaborate with social media creators to extend the reach of information, especially to younger audiences who get their news on social media. Journalists help play a critical role in this by helping determine what’s factual, what’s misleading, and how to tell the difference. By working with others who have audience trust, reporters can meet people where they are. “We have to do our own cleaning up of our timelines,” Mitchell said. “I think that’s something that people are going to have to do individually because you can’t let people continue to give you not great information.”
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