This presentation was given as introduction to the First Draft Election 2020 workshop on verification and digital monitoring. It includes a mini-primer on "fake news" and how to spot it.

1. Mis/Disinformation and
Election 2020: Verification and
Monitoring Tools for Journalists
Host: Dean Michelle Ferrier, Ph.D.
& First Draft
#FAMUArmorUp

2. Why We Are Here
Election 2020 and increased use of digital warfare
to create confusion and drive attention.
Journalists and media organizations are a key target of the
U.S. President and his tweets.
Misinformation campaigns create chilling effect on reporting
around issues such as voting, immigration, government
corruption and others.

3. What is “Fake News”?

4. Stanley Danzey, Intern,
CNN Sports
Alumnus,
School of Journalism & Graphic Communication
“I think one of the most important
things I have learned as a
journalist while working at CNN is
the necessity to get it right, not to
get it first.
Accuracy is king and the process
to verify the news that comes out
in today’s culture is the most vital
tool we possess.
Its our job and responsibility to
inform accurately, not disseminate
recklessly. Without verification,
without confirmed sources with
accurate knowledge and
information – there is no such
thing as news.”

6. 2016 ElectionLand Collaboration

9. Journalists are Under Attack

10. Typology of Threats © 2019 All Rights Reserved

11. What is ”Fake News”?
https://rattlernation.blogspot.com/

12. What is ”Fake News”?
https://rattlernation.blogspot.com/
1. Check URL, contact information
2. Check bylines. Anonymous bylines are suspect.
3. Is the headline written to be inflammatory?
4. Sources: Who are the sources used as evidence? Are
they anonymous? What is the provenance of the
”evidence.”
5. Does the “reporter” follow the Society of Professional
Journalists Code of Ethics?
6. Does the article paint the subject in a false light? Has
the reporter/media outlet published with ”actual
malice?”

13. What is ”Fake News”?

15. Today’s Workshop
 Live crisis simulation to highlight live
threats.
 Provide tools and techniques for
digital investigation.
 Drive conversations around ethics
and principles of reporting
disinformation.