iWatch Africa trains journalists on disinformation, misinformation

iWatch Africa, a non-profit organisation based in Ghana, has held a one-day training programme for journalists aimed at equipping them with the skills necessary to combat disinformation and misinformation in the media landscape.

The training, organised in partnership with Impact Amplifier Foundation, took place at the Yiri Lodge, University of Ghana, Legon on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. It was under the theme “Fortifying the watchdogs: Tracking and Dismantling Online Harassment of Women Journalists in Ghana.”

It brought together some selected reporters and media professionals from various media houses in Ghana.

Rationale of training

In his welcome remarks, a co-founder and project lead of iWatch Africa, Philip K. Banini, explained the rationale behind the training. He told journalists that in an era where disinformation and misinformation could spread rapidly and have significant consequences, it was crucial to equip journalists with the tools and knowledge to discern and challenge false narratives.

He said the goal of iWatch Africa was to strengthen the role of the media as a pillar of democracy and public trust. He revealed that the initiative was made possible because iWatch Africa received a grant to empower newsrooms and journalists in combating online abuse, as part of its broader effort to counter online violence.

He stressed that with the evolution of digital landscape, the role of journalists in safeguarding the truth becomes ever more critical. Based on this, Mr. Banini noted that through iWatch Africa’s targeted training efforts, it would strengthen the media’s capacity to address the pervasive issue of disinformation, ensuring that the public has access to reliable and accurate information.

He disclosed that iWatch Africa plans to expand its training programmes to reach more journalists and media organizations, especially women. According to him, the organisation is also exploring partnerships with other stakeholders to further advance its mission of promoting transparency and accountability through quality journalism.

Experts education

Mr. Stephen Tindi, a lecturer at the Department of Communication at University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ), who took journalists through information disorder, emphasised the urgent need for enhanced media and information literacy (MIL) education in Ghana.

He believes this will help in shaping a future generation capable of thriving in the digital age while upholding the integrity of information dissemination and consumption.

He stressed the critical role of MIL in shaping informed citizens capable of navigating today’s complex media landscape.

He said a public proficient in critical thinking and digital literacy is better equipped to evaluate online information, discern trustworthy sources, and make informed decisions as responsible citizens and consumers.

Fact-checking

Mr. Evans Aziamor-Mensah, an Investigative Reporter with The Fourth Estate and Fact-check Ghana, a projects of the Media Foundation for West Africa, delivered hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge digital tools and strategies designed to aid journalists in verifying information.

His presentation covered a range of techniques, from utilising advanced search algorithms to employing metadata analysis for fact-checking.

He emphasised the necessity of combining technology with critical thinking. “In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, it’s crucial for journalists to not only master digital tools but also to develop a robust analytical framework for evaluating information,” he said.

Online safety

Mr. Jonas Nyabor, an award-winning fact-checker with Dubawa, and Ghana correspondent for pan-African publication The Africa Report, took journalists on digital and online safety of women.

Hs emphasised the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by women in online environments. According to him, in the digital age, safeguarding women’s online presence is not just a matter of privacy but of human rights.

He also highlighted various facets of digital safety, including strategies to combat cyber harassment, manage online privacy settings, and navigate the risks associated with digital footprints.

Feedback

Participants lauded the programme for its practical approach and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.

Individuals who took part in this training include freelance writers, reporters, news editors, fact checkers, and social media content producers