From February 11 to 14, 2025, a comprehensive four-day training program on fact-checking methodologies was organized by UNESCO and delivered by Agence France-Presse (AFP) at the Ministry of Information of Lebanon,. This initiative was tailored for selected reporters from the National News Agency (NNA), aiming to equip them with essential skills to combat misinformation and verify news in their everyday field reporting.
In today's world, where misinformation can easily shape public perception, equipping reporters with effective verification tools is crucial. This training provided participants with a combination of updated tools, AI-based applications, and interactive, hands-on exercises that enhanced their ability to accurately identify, verify, and share information.
Field Correspondent Rami Daher noted the immediate relevance of the training, saying, “The training was highly beneficial, especially for social media use. Right after completing it, I launched an awareness campaign on Tele Liban and radio stations to promote news verification.”
Katia Chamoun, another NNA reporter, reflected on the new tools she gained, mentioning, “This training improved my ability to analyze news and verify sources using specific techniques and websites for assessing images and videos. It highlighted the importance of accuracy in combating the spread of misinformation online.”
Tele Liban Correspondent Mazen Mjawaz described the professional value of the program, sharing, “My participation in the training was a valuable professional experience. I learned techniques to verify any news, image, or video from its original source, allowing me to better inform the public and avoid misleading narratives.”
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Information and with the financial support of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), this fact-checking training is integral part of UNESCO strong commitment to combating disinformation and hate speech in Lebanon. With this strategic partnership, UNESCO aims to equip journalists with the skills needed to uphold media integrity and ensure accurate public information, contributing to a safer and more informed media landscape.
