ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN) and Russian news agency TASS have launched an educational video course on fact-checking for journalists and staff members of news agencies affiliated with the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA).
The course comprises five core lessons on fact-checking and three additional lectures prepared by the New Media School. It has been developed under a memorandum of understanding signed between GFCN and OANA on September 21, 2026, as well as agreements reached during a joint session at the international “Dialog about Fakes 4.0” forum held on September 22.
The core lessons focus on the fundamentals of fact-checking, tools and algorithms for information verification, identifying deepfakes, understanding cognitive traps, developing critical thinking and establishing effective fact-checking procedures within news organizations.
Using examples from Asia-Pacific countries, participants will examine practical methods for verifying information and learn how fact-checking can be incorporated into routine editorial workflows.
GFCN Vice President Daniil Bisslinger said media credibility must be reinforced every day through accurate and verified reporting. He noted that sophisticated tools for producing convincing fake content are increasingly accessible, making fact-checking skills essential for journalists and other media professionals.
He said the course prepared jointly with TASS would help OANA member agencies identify manipulation, incorporate verification into their daily editorial work and benefit from GFCN’s international expertise.
The three bonus lectures by the New Media School focus on the practical use of generative artificial intelligence, creative thinking and the economics of media projects. The sessions aim to help journalists use AI responsibly while ensuring that its output is independently verified, present verified information effectively and manage resources involved in producing credible content.
OANA Secretary General and TASS Deputy Director General Marat Abulkhatin said he expected the video course to become a valuable professional resource for journalists across the organization and contribute to the exchange of experience and strengthening of common professional standards.
He stressed the importance of developing a shared professional culture in information exchange, particularly at a time when journalists need a common understanding of verification principles and access to modern fact-checking tools.
The video course is available on the OANA website.
OANA was established in 1961 on the initiative of UNESCO and currently brings together more than 40 news agencies from 33 Asia-Pacific countries. TASS holds the organization’s chairmanship for the 2025–2028 term.
The Global Fact-Checking Network was established in 2025 by TASS, ANPO Dialog Regions and the New Media School to coordinate international efforts aimed at countering disinformation.
