The co-creational model of news media is not relativist. It does not assume that ‘there is no truth’ or that ‘the truth is what you make of it.’ The co-creational model assumes that some statements are more factual than others, and that it is possible and worthwhile to pursue greater truth and understanding rather than wilfully ignoring evidence or misleading people.
Co-creational organisations and initiatives sometimes check facts on behalf of members of the public, so that, in effect, journalists and non-journalists are working together to strengthen the knowledge of the community at large.
Tips
- Commit to fact-checking, even where this means testing your own beliefs or challenging your participants.
- Recognise that multiple perspectives can ensure greater accuracy and take steps to involve people with different experiences, beliefs and perspectives in your organisation and initiative.
- Avoid deferring blindly to experts. Ensure that you have a reasonable understanding of the basis for their expertise and can compare it to other views.
Example
- The Ferret Fact Service investigates statements by public figures and viral claims on behalf of the public, who can submit requests free of charge.
