Fact check is a process by which editors verify the accuracy of an article before it goes to print. It’s a necessary part of good journalism, and is particularly important for political stories where the stakes are high.
During the fact-checking process, the facts are compared against all the research materials consulted throughout reporting and production for the story in question. This includes any documents, links or cited sources that the reporter kept track of throughout reporting and production, as well as the interviewees for the piece. During this time, the facts may be amended or discarded if they can no longer be validated. In addition, the fact checker may contact any sources to whom a fact is attributed (including those who were interviewed on background or veiled) as well as other relevant experts.
When the fact-checker has verified all of the claimed facts against all the research materials, they prepare a list of errors and recommendations for revisions to the journalist and handling editor. This can take many forms, depending on the publication, but in most cases it is a document that lists each claim and then notes why it is either incorrect or not supported by the research. The list should be as thorough as possible, while remaining within the brevity constraints of an online document.
As a reporter, you can help prepare your story for fact check by thinking about what to look for as you gather information. This can include double-checking statistics, dates, names and other easily verified facts. Also, try to avoid making assumptions about what your source meant by a given statement or how they remember an event. Talk to multiple people who were at the same event if you think different recollections are necessary, and always consider using trauma-informed interviewing techniques whenever possible.
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