The provided text highlights the crucial role of fact-checking in journalism, particularly during televised debates. According to Subramaniam Vincent, Director of Journalism and Media Ethics, it is the ethical responsibility of journalists to promptly challenge false or questionable claims made by candidates during debates.The provided text highlights the crucial role of fact-checking in journalism, particularly during televised debates. According to Subramaniam Vincent, Director of Journalism and Media Ethics, it is the ethical responsibility of journalists to promptly challenge false or questionable claims made by candidates during debates. Vincent emphasizes that the large audience watching these debates deserves accurate and verifiable information to make informed decisions. When candidates make claims that lack factual basis, it is imperative for journalists to intervene and demand evidence or hold the candidates accountable for their statements. This act of ethical journalism ensures transparency and accountability, allowing the public to scrutinize candidates’ credibility and make informed choices.
When we bring prolific liars live on a campaign debate, our responsibility to tell the truth and determine the truth requires that we make a sincere effort to fact-check their claims within minutes of the broadcast. This is when the audience of millions is comparing candidates. And when those claims are questionable, it is an act of ethical journalism to step in and ask the promoters to defend themselves with factual evidence, or to call them out.
Subramaniam Vincent, Director of Journalism and Media Ethics, published by Forbes.
