Photo: Faktisk.no
Faktisk.no is a non-profit- and independent fact-checking organization with the purpose of fact checking the Norwegian public and societal debate. Since their establishment in 2017 Faktisk.no has evolved into one of Norways leading specialists on source criticism and media literacy, and it is the only Norwegian signatory to the International Fact Checking Network (IFCN). The organization is a collaborative approach to fact checking, and is owned by VG, Dagbladet, NRK, TV 2, Polaris Media and Amedia.
- We are delighted to join the Media Cluster, and we feel that this kind of environment suits our profile well. Faktisk.no is a result of leading Norwegian media houses recognizing the importance of collaboration. We aim to be an open laboratory for source criticism and media understanding, with collaboration, innovation and development as our primary focus. To achieve this we need to take part in a larger network. In the cluster we will have the opportunity to engage in meetings that can inspire us and where we can meet new companies that can join in on the development, says Kristoffer Egeberg, chief editor in Faktisk.no.
Faktisk.no is also involved in educational programs for schools. Their "Tenk" project involves dedicated educators that develop educational programs for media literacy and source awareness.
- Bergen and Media City have already become for us through continuous visits to TV 2, NRK, The Centre for Investigative Journalism (SUJO) and other environments at UiB. Our Tenk project has a great collaboration with the Library in Bergen, the county municipality and with librarians at schools throughout all of Vestland, says Egeberg.
By becoming a member of the Media Cluster, Faktisk.no is looking to take part in the cluster network, and also contribute with their own expertise.
- We recognize several exciting opportunities by joining this network, where our competencies within journalism and pedagogy can serve as valuable contributions. We have already been invited to contribute to the Media Motor Europe program, where several of the selected businesses in the program possess technology that can help newsrooms in the fight against disinformation. Here we can contribute with our experience and our international network, says Egeberg.
The Media Cluster CEO, Anne Jacobsen, believes that Faktisk.no will be a great addition to the cluster.
– Disinformation poses a growing threat to democracy, demanding our urgent attention. Our democracy is based on an informed population, and trustworthy information. In this regard fact checking organizations like Faktisk.no are doing critical work to debunk fake news and false claims. The fight against disinformation is a priority in a number of the cluster's initiatives, including MediaFutures, the Media Cluster's SFI project, and the Media Motor Europe EU program, where the cluster is a partner. We look forward to exploring next steps together with Faktisk.no, Jacobsen says.