Combating disinformation: Summer University on Fact-Checking unites journalists from the Western Balkans
Related project
Balkan Voices 2From October 17 to 20, 2024, Budva, Montenegro, hosted the Summer University on Fact-Checking, bringing together 52 young journalists and journalism students from across the Western Balkans, including 15 men and 37 women, for an intensive four-day training under the Balkan Voices II project. The event aimed to strengthen the region’s ability to combat misinformation and disinformation by equipping journalists with essential fact-checking tools and techniques.
The opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Anne-Marie Maskay, French Ambassador to Montenegro, who highlighted the significance of fighting disinformation in the digital media era: "In an age dominated by digital media, it is crucial to combat fake news and disinformation. I am thrilled that young journalists will gain valuable knowledge and tools to enhance their reporting skills, empowering them to uphold the integrity of journalism."
Miriam Angoni, Regional Coordinator of Balkan Voices II, emphasized the need for collaboration across the region: "This training is essential for fostering collaboration and improving the quality of journalism across our region, empowering the next generation of journalists to promote truth and transparency."
Learning from industry experts
The Summer University on Fact-Checking provided the 52 students with the opportunity to participate in six complementary training modules focused on fact-checking, debunking, and combating disinformation. These sessions were led by eight trainers, including four international experts and journalists, alongside four investigative journalists from the Balkans specializing in fact-checking. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical, field-based examples ensured that students received comprehensive, hands-on training.
The training kicked off with Robert Bourgoing, an OSINT expert, guiding participants through hands-on sessions on advanced verification techniques. Journalists honed their skills in fact-checking photos, videos, and websites, essential tools in the fight against misinformation.
Addressing the pressing issue of information warfare, Thomas Huchon shed light on the rise of conspiracy theories and fake news, while Kosovo-based fact-checkers Festim Rizanaj and Endrit Berisha from hibrid.info showcased their platform’s approach to identifying false content and navigating the complex digital landscape.
Ivan Fischer from AFP Croatia and Isabelle Wirth, European Media Projects Manager/AFP, led a session on fact-checking in news agencies, focusing on the disinformation challenges unique to the Western Balkans.
Fischer noted: “The media landscape in the Western Balkans is complicated, with disinformation narratives overlapping across borders. What we do at AFP Fact Check is not only explain why something is wrong but show people how to verify it themselves. It’s about empowering the audience to draw informed conclusions.”
Further sessions featured Marija Vucic of KRIK, who sharpened participants' fact-checking skills, and Stefan Janjic of Fake News Tragač, who equipped journalists with tools to tackle pseudoscience.
These expert-led workshops armed journalists with the skills needed to ensure their reporting remains reliable, fact-based, and ethically sound. The modules equipped participants with practical skills to enhance their journalistic integrity and produce reliable, fact-based journalism.
Participant reflections
Fran Matija Zlomislić from Bosnia and Herzegovina expressed his appreciation for the program: "I was pleasantly surprised by the importance of the topics we covered, especially fact-checking and source verification, which are often sidelined in the Balkans. This program provides practical advice that will help our profession regain the respect it deserves."
Danica Janković, a TV journalist from Montenegro, shared how the training impacted her work: "I learned a lot of new tools for my daily tasks and had the chance to meet colleagues from across the Western Balkans. It was a great opportunity to network and see how journalism is practiced in different countries while improving my skills."
Collaboration and Networking
Throughout the four days, participants actively engaged in workshops, discussions, and practical sessions, learning not only from trainers but also from each other. The Summer University offered a valuable opportunity for young journalists to acquire essential tools to combat disinformation, enhancing their ability to produce reliable, ethical journalism.
