LibGuides: Fake News: Fact-Checking Sites

About Fact-Checking Sites

Fact-Checking sites can be particularly useful for learning the truth. Fact-Checking sites will cross-reference information and decide whether or not it is true. These websites are particularly useful following major news events, debates, speeches, or other public appearances from politicians.

The International Fact-Checking Network is a unit of the Poynter Institute dedicated to bringing together fact-checkers worldwide. The IFCN was launched in September 2015 to support a booming crop of fact-checking initiatives by promoting best practices and exchanges in this field. (https://www.poynter.org/ifcn/)

Below are examples of several fact-checking sites, several of which are identified in this article from The Daily Dot: "The Best Political Fact-Checking Sites on the Internet."

Fact-Checking Sites

FactCheck.org
FactCheck.org is the oldest of the big three fact-checking sites; it launched in 2003. The site is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. The site fact-checks claims made by president, members of Congress, presidential candidates, and other members of the political arena. It mainly reviews TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases. The site’s stated goal is to “apply the best practices of both journalism and scholarship, and to increase public knowledge and understanding.”
Politifact
Politifact is a project of the Tampa Bay Times. It won a Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the 2008 election, during which it examined 750 claims. Politifact fact-checks claims by politicians at the federal, state, and local level, as well as political parties, PACs, and advocacy groups. Politifact rates the accuracy of these claims on its Truth-O-Meter, which goes from “True,” “Mostly True,” “Half True,” “False,” and “Pants on Fire.”
Washington Post‘s Fact Checker
The purpose of this website, and an accompanying column in the Sunday print edition of The Washington Post, is to “truth squad” the statements of political figures regarding issues of great importance, be they national, international or local. It’s a big world out there, and so we rely on readers to ask questions and point out statements that need to be checked. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/01/07/about-fact-checker/)
Snopes
Snopes.com is the go-to destination for debunking strange internet rumors. California couple Barbara and David Mikkelson founded the site in 1995 to uncover urban legends, rumors, and other questionable bits of folklore that had begun cropping up in chain emails and message boards. Snopes has spent a large chunk of its time shedding light on Election 2016 rumors that originated from memes and fake news stories.
Media/Bias FactCheck
This site allows you to check the bias of various news sources. You can search for particular news outlets, or click on a category so see if the news outlet leans left or right, and more.
All Sides
All Sides is a news aggregator that shows people the same stories from three main political views: left, center, and right. It doesn't check facts, but it does allow people to be aware of bias in their news. While you can use it to view the most recent news, you can also use it to evaluate the validity and bias of any news source you are using. Ideally, you will use news sources that are considered centrist and avoid extremist views.

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