Assam: Guwahati gets schooled in fact-checking at BOOM Live event

Guwahati: Guwahati hosted a fact-checking workshop titled "Fact-Checking Mel" organized by BOOM Live, a leader in the fight against misinformation.

The event was a deep dive into the crucial role of fact-checking in today’s journalism landscape.

The event brought together esteemed journalists, fact-checkers, and media professionals from across the region, highlighting the importance of accuracy and objectivity in news reporting

Renowned journalist Rajeev Bhattacharyya emphasized a journalist's duty to prioritize facts over opinions, especially during conflicts. He warned against the dangers of misleading information and the need to meticulously examine suspicious stories. "Independent verification is the cornerstone of trustworthy journalism," Bhattacharyya said.

Sushmita Goswami, president of the Guwahati Press Club, addressed the real-world impacts of misinformation. "We have the tools to combat this menace in the Northeast," Goswami said, urging journalists to be more proactive in fact-checking.

Jency Jacob, Managing Editor at BOOM Live, highlighted fact-checking as an essential skill for journalists. "Journalists must stay updated on the latest tech tools to do their job well," Jacob said.

An interactive session by H R Venkatesh engaged participants in identifying biases and fallacies. He stressed the importance of critical thinking for fact-checkers. "We must not only think like fact-checkers, but also live like them," Venkatesh said.

Divya Chandra, a fact-checking trainer at BOOM Live, broadened the discussion. "Fact-checking isn't just for journalists," Chandra said.

"Everyone who consumes information is at risk of misinformation. Since misinformation travels faster than fact-checks, people need to learn how to verify information themselves," she added.

The event also saw the launch of the North-East Facts Network, a BOOM Live initiative to strengthen fact-checking in the region. Sabina Yasmin Rahman and Titha Ghosh of BOOM Live co-ordinated the day's activities.