Product Overview: FactCheck.org
Introduction
FactCheck.org is a nonpartisan, nonprofit website dedicated to reducing the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. Launched in December 2003 by veteran journalist Brooks Jackson and Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, the site aims to provide accurate and unbiased information to the public.
Mission
The primary mission of FactCheck.org is to act as a “consumer advocate” for voters, ensuring the factual accuracy of statements made by major U.S. political players. This includes monitoring TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases to apply the best practices of both journalism and scholarship, thereby increasing public knowledge and understanding.
Key Features
Fact-Checking
FactCheck.org systematically reviews and debunks inaccurate, misleading, or false claims made by politicians, political action committees, and other public figures. The site focuses on widely spread misinformation, particularly during presidential and midterm elections, and also monitors statements from the president, top administration officials, congressional leaders, and party leaders.
Content Sections
- Ask FactCheck: Allows users to ask questions based on online rumors, which are then addressed by the site’s staff.
- Viral Spiral: A page dedicated to debunking popular online myths and providing links to full articles on the subjects.
- Party Lines: Highlights talking points repeatedly used by multiple members of a political party.
- Mailbag: A section for readers’ letters, praise, or disapproval of the site’s content.
SciCheck
Introduced in 2015, SciCheck focuses on fact-checking scientific claims, particularly those related to health and environmental issues. This feature has been crucial during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, where the site’s science editor, Jessica McDonald, with a Ph.D. in immunobiology, played a key role in debunking misinformation about the pandemic and vaccines.
Translation and Partnerships
FactCheck.org translates its content into Spanish, thanks to a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and has partnered with outlets like Univision to expand its reach. This effort includes translating articles on COVID-19, maternal, reproductive, and climate health.
Reader Engagement
The site engages with readers through features like “Ask FactCheck” and “Ask SciCheck” on the website and in their weekly newsletter, “Reply All.” This allows readers to submit questions and receive accurate information on various topics.
Process and Standards
FactCheck.org follows a rigorous process for selecting, researching, writing, and editing its articles. The site:
- Reviews transcripts and videos of political remarks and events.
- Engages with the individuals or organizations making the claims to verify evidence.
- Ensures equal time reviewing claims from both Republicans and Democrats.
- Is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) at the Poynter Institute, adhering to its code of principles.
Funding and Affiliation
FactCheck.org is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania and is primarily funded by the Annenberg Foundation. This nonpartisan funding ensures the site’s independence and commitment to unbiased fact-checking.
Recognition and Impact
FactCheck.org has gained significant recognition and won numerous awards for its contributions to political journalism, including being named one of the “50 best websites” by Time magazine in 2004 and winning multiple Webby Awards and Sigma Delta Chi Awards.
In summary, FactCheck.org is a vital resource for voters seeking accurate information in a landscape often filled with misinformation. Its comprehensive fact-checking, diverse content sections, and commitment to nonpartisan reporting make it an indispensable tool for promoting transparency and understanding in U.S. politics.