In the very first episode of “Behind the Facts”, we take a look at how fact-checkers in Africa are marking International Fact-Checking Day on 2 April. Plus, because it’s our first episode, we’re taking a bit of time to discover the origin stories of our featured fact-checkers. This episode also offers some insight into how fact-checkers are using artificial intelligence to make their work easier and faster. And, make sure to listen all the way to the end for some tips on sorting fact from fiction straight from our fact-checkers.

Featured guests

With special thanks to our guests this week, Silas Jonathan, a researcher from Nigerian fact-checking outfit, Dubawa (@dubawa on Facebook and @dubawa_official on Instagram), Rukia Nabbanja, the content lead at Debunk Media Initiative from Uganda (@thedebunkshow), and deputy chief editor at Africa Check, Cayley Clifford (@AfricaCheck). 

Resources

For more about International Fact-Checking Day on 2 April (yes, that’s the day after April Fool’s for a reason), visit the Poynter website and follow #FactCheckingDay and #FactsMatter. 

The Debunk Media Initiative will be hosting an X Space where the organisation will be discussing fact checking for accountability. 

Africa Check will be hosting a free to the public fact-checking webinar on the day to celebrate. Sign up to learn some things!

Special thanks to

This episode was produced by the team at Africa Check: Khumo Motaung, Tshiamo Mononyane, and Laura Kapelari. Your show host for this episode is Thipe Maelane, also of Africa Check. 

Africa Check, the continent’s first, independent fact-checking organisation, helping you sort fact from fiction.