Fact-checking in Mexican journalism: Analysis of Verificado 2018 experience

Abstract

This paper analyzes how fact-checking is incorporated into Mexican journalism taking into account the experience of Verificado 2018. In-depth interviews were conducted with journalists who collaborated in the project. The results indicate that Verificado 2018 journalists conceive fact-checking as a part of traditional journalism and its democratic objective. However, they pointed out failures in the practice of journalism in Mexico and threats due to the growing phenomenon of fake news. In this context, Verificado 2018 opted for alternatives in the performance of its fact-checking tasks, such as a more horizontal relationship with sources, interaction with the public, collaborative journalism and media literacy stories. They considered though that Verificado 2018 does not have an activist mission. Verificado 2018 fueled the discussion on the quality of Mexican journalism and how journalists can contribute to its improvement.