Factcheck.org

FactCheck.org

Screenshot of FactCheck.org homepage
Type of site	Fact-checking website
Owner	Annenberg Public Policy Center
URL	FactCheck.org
Commercial	No
Registration	Optional
Launched	December 2003
Current status	Active

FactCheck.org is a non-profit fact-checking website that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. It is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. The site was launched in December 2003 by Brooks Jackson, a veteran journalist with extensive experience in investigative reporting.

History

FactCheck.org was established in response to the increasing prevalence of misinformation in political discourse. The site gained national attention during the 2004 U.S. presidential election for its efforts to verify claims made by politicians and political advertisements. Since then, it has become a respected source for fact-checking political statements and media reports.

Mission

The mission of FactCheck.org is to "apply the best practices of both journalism and scholarship, and to increase public knowledge and understanding." The site aims to provide accurate, unbiased information to help voters make informed decisions. It focuses on checking the factual accuracy of statements made by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases.

Methodology

FactCheck.org employs a rigorous methodology to ensure the accuracy and impartiality of its reports. The process involves:

• Research: FactCheck.org staff conduct thorough research using primary sources, such as official documents, data from government agencies, and expert interviews.
• Analysis: The team analyzes the information to determine the accuracy of the claims being checked.
• Review: Articles are reviewed by multiple staff members to ensure objectivity and accuracy before publication.
• Transparency: FactCheck.org provides links to sources and detailed explanations of its findings to allow readers to verify the information themselves.

Funding

FactCheck.org is funded primarily by the Annenberg Foundation. It also accepts donations from individuals and other foundations, but it does not accept funding from corporations, labor unions, or partisan organizations to maintain its independence and objectivity.

Impact

FactCheck.org has been recognized for its contributions to journalism and public discourse. It has received numerous awards, including the Webby Award for Best Politics Site. The site is frequently cited by major news organizations and has been used as a resource in educational settings to teach critical thinking and media literacy.

Criticism

While FactCheck.org is generally respected for its accuracy and impartiality, it has faced criticism from some political figures and organizations who claim that its findings are biased. FactCheck.org addresses these criticisms by emphasizing its commitment to transparency and providing detailed explanations of its methodology.

Also see

• PolitiFact
• Snopes
• The Washington Post Fact Checker
• Media Bias/Fact Check
• Annenberg Public Policy Center