About fifteen journalists from the South-West region, including a woman, took part in a training course organized by the regional communication directorate on "fact-checking" from July 10 to 13 2023 in Gaoua.

For three days, the journalists of the South-West became familiar with fact-checking which means in French "verification of the facts". They learned that fact-checking aims to carry out an in-depth verification of facts and declarations of public interest, conveyed by the media and social networks.

Fact-checking is important in the processing of information, especially in this time of security crisis, the participants learned. Indeed, it makes it possible to empower political decision-makers, to promote good governance, democracy as well as social cohesion and peace.

Fact-checking has a definite advantage for journalists because it gives them the opportunity to reclaim their profession. Participants also saw their capacity strengthened on the fundamentals of journalism.

The regional director of communication of the South-West Aboubacar Traoré justified the holding of this training in the sense that it will allow journalists to better verify the information before publishing it. This requires more professionalism for the journalist, he continued.

According to Mr. Traoré, the contribution of journalists through the practice of fact-checking will reduce the circulation of false information even in the traditional media.

Source: Burkina Information Agency