Principles of Salone Fact-Checker

Principles of Fact-Checking: Guiding the Salone Fact Checker's Truth Assessment

At Salone Fact Checker (SFC), we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of accuracy, integrity, and transparency in the pursuit of truth. Our fact-checking principles, inspired by PolitiFact’s Truth-O-Meter, serve as a robust framework to assess the veracity of claims and news items circulating within Sierra Leone.

Our commitment to accuracy, transparency, and impartiality resonates deeply with the principles established by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). These principles guide our rigorous fact-checking process, ensuring that we provide our audience with trustworthy information that empowers informed decision-making. Here are the ways in which our fact-checking methodology aligns with the IFCN principles:

Non-partisanship and Fairness: Upholding the IFCN’s cornerstone, we approach our fact-checking duties with absolute non-partisanship. Our assessments are devoid of political, ideological, or personal biases, ensuring fair treatment for all claims regardless of their origin.

Transparency of Methodology: We embrace transparency as an integral aspect of our practice. Our methodology is openly documented, shedding light on our research processes, criteria for selecting claims, and evaluation procedures. This transparency enables readers to comprehend how we arrive at our conclusions.

Impartiality in Sources: Our fact-checks are grounded in a wide array of reputable sources. We meticulously source information from multiple reliable outlets, academia, experts, and primary documents to ensure a comprehensive and well-rounded assessment.

Transparency of Funding: We believe in full transparency concerning our funding sources. Disclosing our financial support allows our readers to assess any potential influence on our fact-checking work and safeguards our independence.

Accountability and Corrections: Adhering to the IFCN’s emphasis on accountability, we take responsibility for the accuracy of our assessments. If errors or discrepancies emerge, we swiftly rectify them and transparently communicate the corrections to our readers.

Comprehensive Methodology: Our fact-checking process is comprehensive and exhaustive. We delve into claims with diligence, researching multiple angles, and consulting experts to ensure that our judgments are well-informed.

Fair Headlines and Content: We align with the IFCN’s directive to ensure that our headlines and content accurately reflect the conclusions of our fact-checks. Our goal is to provide readers with an honest and unambiguous understanding of our assessments.

Evidence-Based Approach: Our fact-checking is underpinned by a rigorous evidence-based approach. We meticulously evaluate the data, statements, and supporting evidence to provide a substantiated and reliable assessment.

Non-Participation in Advocacy: Consistent with IFCN principles, we refrain from advocacy and lobbying. Our focus is solely on discerning the accuracy of claims, steering clear of any agenda-driven activities.

Dedication to Continuous Improvement: We are committed to ongoing improvement in our fact-checking processes. Regular assessments and feedback from our audience drive our evolution, allowing us to refine our methods and uphold the highest standards.

Accessibility and Clarity: We prioritize conveying our assessments in a clear, concise, and accessible manner. Our explanations are designed to be comprehensible to a diverse audience, irrespective of their familiarity with the subject matter.

Accountability and Feedback: We value constructive feedback from our audience and stakeholders. If errors are identified, we promptly acknowledge and rectify them, fostering a culture of accountability.

These principles serve as the foundation of Salone Fact Checker’s fact-checking process, enabling us to navigate the intricate landscape of information and misinformation. Through adherence to these standards, we contribute to a more informed and discerning society in Sierra Leone, where truth prevails over falsehoods.

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