Fact-Checkers as Entrepreneurs

Abstract

This study considers fact-checkers as innovators and entrepreneurs. It explores funding models as well as perceptions about three core aspects of a successful journalistic enterprise: audiences, value propositions, and resources. Findings indicate particular attention to media literacy and civic engagement, independence, and transparency. In addition, many fact-checkers see their role as not merely extending traditional journalism but also correcting some of its shortcomings.

KEYWORDS:

• accountability
• entrepreneurs
• fact-checkers
• independence
• sustainability
• transparency
• watchdog journalism

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Many thanks to freelance journalist and City, University of London, alumna Flávia Milhorance for conducting and translating interviews with two Brazilian fact-checkers for this study.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The author is an independent, paid assessor for the International Fact-Checking Network. No interviewee for this study was associated with a site she has assessed.

Notes

1. See https://reporterslab.org/fact-checking/.

2. See http://www.poynter.org/fact-checkers-code-of-principles/ .

3. See https://rsf.org/en/ranking.