While the topic of fake news and misinformation has triggered much scrutiny across the globe, these discussions rarely identify how this phenomenon affects developing countries – and Africa in particular. The detrimental impact of misinformation campaigns has, however, been felt across the continent. This workshop will examine the complex challenges that fake news presents in a research environment, where misinformation affects not only how research is conducted, but also how it is used. From the workshop discussion, ENACT will produce a set of guidelines, including fact-checking resources and best practices. This workshop will be a platform for frank discussion of the challenges faced by African researchers and journalists working in a time of widespread misinformation. Presentations will include a summary of current research on fake news, both in Africa and globally. Working journalists and researchers will share their experiences of the impact that fake news has had on their work. Fact-checking organisations will share tools for researchers and media, as well as case studies about the impact of misinformation.
Welcome: Eric Pelser, ENACT programme head, ISS
Chair: Michael Schmidt, Founder, Professional Journalists' Association of South Africa
Speakers:
- Lee Mwiti, Deputy editor, Africa Check
- Teldah Mawarire, Advocacy and campaigns coordinator, CIVICUS
- Ken Opala, Founding editor, African Investigative News Service
- Emmanuel Mayah, Publisher, Satellite Times Nigeria
Enquiries: Jacqueline Cochrane – [email protected]
Photo © Jacqueline Cochrane/ISS
ENACT is funded by the European Union (EU), and implemented by the ISS, INTERPOL and Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime. Speakers appear in their personal capacity and cannot be seen to represent or reflect the position of the EU.
