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franceinfo.fr

Organization: franceinfo.fr
Applicant: pascal Doucet-Bon
Assessor: Laurent Bigot

Background

"Vrai ou Fake" is the distinct fact-checking section of Franceinfo.fr, a legally registered French digital platform founded by several public media partners: France Télévisions, Radio France, France Médias Monde, Arte, TV5 Monde and INA.

"Vrai ou Fake" was set up in 2018, exclusively to agregate the French public media fact-checking, but the radio France Info has been doing fact-checking since 2012, with the chronicle "Le Vrai du Faux".

France, where this medium is based, is a democratic country which allows "Vrai ou Fake" to work independently, even when a media is part of a media group owned by the French state (Radio France & France Television)

Assessment Conclusion

According to my assessment, "Vrai ou Fake" continues to be a reliable fact-checking partner. After some corrections, this media is compliant with all the principles enacted by the IFCN..


on 06-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

Laurent Bigot assesses application as Compliant

A short summary in native publishing language

« Vrai ou Fake » est la section de fact-checking de Franceinfo.fr, une plateforme numérique française légalement enregistrée fondée par plusieurs médias publics partenaires : France Télévisions, Radio France, France Médias Monde, Arte, TV5 Monde et l'INA.

"Vrai ou Fake" a été créé en 2018, exclusivement pour agréger le fact-checking des médias publics français, mais la radio France Info fait du fact-checking depuis 2012, avec la chronique "Le Vrai du Faux".

La France, où ce média est basé, est un pays démocratique qui permet à "Vrai ou Fake" de travailler de manière indépendante, même lorsqu'un média fait partie d'un groupe de médias appartenant à l'État français (Radio France & France Télévision).


La rubrique "Vrai ou Fake" du site "FranceInfo.fr" a procédé à quelques ajustements pour respecter l'intégralité des 31 critères issus de la nouvelle version du Code de Principes de l'IFCN.


Ainsi le site reste un partenaire fiable de l'IFCN en matière de vérification des faits (fact-checking et debunking).

Section 1: Eligibility to be a signatory

To be eligible to be a signatory, applicants must meet these six criteria

  • 1.1 The applicant is a legally registered organization, or a distinct team or unit within a legally registered organization, and details of this are easily found on its website.
  • 1.2 The team, unit or organization is set up exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking.
  • 1.3 The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application. For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track. Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.
  • 1.4 On average, at least 75% of the applicant’s fact checks focus on claims related to issues that, in the view of the IFCN, relate to or could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals, the general public or society.
  • 1.5 The applicant’s editorial output is not, in the view of the IFCN, controlled by the state, a political party or politician.
  • 1.6 If the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, it provides a statement on its site setting out to the satisfaction of the IFCN, how it ensures its funders do not influence the findings of its reports.

Criteria 1.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain where on your website you set out information about your organization’s legal status and how this complies with criteria. Attach a link to the relevant page of your website.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The section “Vrai ou fake” of franceinfo.fr is co-edited by french public broadcasters (France Télévisions, Radio France, Arte). Several teams are set up exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking.

They publish 1 to 4 stories a day on political, economical, environmental, health issues.

They are completely independent from any state, political party or politician.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

"Vrai ou Fake" is the distinct fact-checking section of Franceinfo.fr, a legally registered French digital platform founded by several public media partners: France Télévisions, Radio France, Arte, INA, France 24, TV5 Monde...

All the evidences of Franceinfo.fr’s legal registration are presented in the “CGU & Mentions légales” through its RCS number, here: https://www.francetvinfo.fr/cgu/


done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 1.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please answer the following questions – (see notes in Guidelines for Application on how to answer)

 1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?
 2. How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?
 3. What different activities does your organization carry out?
 4. What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The digital section “Vrai ou fake” began in 2018, but the radio column “Vrai du faux” aired since 2012. At the beginning it was focused on fact-checking of political statements but it encompassed over time all kinds of fake news that went viral on social media.

At least 16 journalists fact-check and debunk fake news for franceinfo on TV, Internet and radio. We created a new team in 2021 called "Les révélateurs de France TV" that works specifically on images (photos and videos) factchecking.

Over the coming year, we will be very focused on presidential and general elections in France and will certainly continue to cover the coronavirus pandemic and all fake news about vaccines, medication, masks, ecc.  

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

French public media have been doing fact-checking since 2012, with the work of the radio chronicle "Le Vrai du Faux", on France Info. 

But the fact-checking productions of the various public media have been brought together on the FranceInfo.fr platform since 2018. 

In total, in the various FranceInfo.fr media, 16 journalists work on fact-checking political claims and debunking rumors, on all subjects. A specific team ("Les Révélateurs") works on images since 2021.

The team plans to continue their verification work, specifically on the political field and the coronavirus over the coming months and years. 


done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 1.3
Proof you meet criteria
- The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application.
- For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track.
- Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago)

All fact-checkings are published on this page : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

French public media journalists publish 1 to 4 fact-checks a day on political, economical, environmental, health issues on their respective media (France Info radio, France 2, Arte, etc.). These fact-checks are gathered on the common section called "Vrai ou Fake" and can be viewed here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/


done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 1.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous three months. No additional information required.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

According to our assessment, the fact-checking stories presented by "Vrai ou Fake" are in line with IFCN's expectations.

We find that these fact checks deal in majority (more than 75%) with “public interest” issues that “relate to or could have an impact on the well-being of individuals, the general public or society”.


done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 1.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain any commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship your organization has to the state, politicians or political parties in the country or countries you cover. Also explain funding or support received from foreign as well as local state or political actors over the previous financial year.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Our organizations are editorially completely independent from state, politicians or political parties. 

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Franceinfo.fr and its "Vrai ou Fake" section doesn't detail its sources of funding.

The team only explains : “Our organizations are editorially completely independent from state, politicians or political parties.”.

As mentioned above, Franceinfo.fr is part of the French public broadcasting service. So its sole shareholder is the French state, trough four public media companies or more: France Télévisions (public TV company), Radio France (public radio company), INA (public media archives service) and France Médias Monde (public radio and TV company).

We can only find elsewhere a “CGU & Mentions légales” section where these companies are mentioned, here: https://www.francetvinfo.fr/cgu/

The team explains by itself  its the institutional relationship it has to the French state, here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html



done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 1.6
Proof you meet criteria
If you confirmed the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, provide a link to where on your website you set out how you ensure the editorial independence of your work.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago)

Our organizations receive no funding from local or foreign state or political sources.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

"Vrai ou Fake", the fact-checking section of FranceInfo.fr receives funding from the French state which is its owner.

And provides a statement on its site how it ensures its funders do not influence the findings of its reports, here: https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html


"France Télévisions and Radio France have charters of ethics which defend the independence of information and guarantee freedom of expression and the pluralism of currents of thought and opinion. Internally, companies ensure the editorial freedom of their teams and encourage their creativity while respecting differences."




done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Section 2: A commitment to Non-partisanship and Fairness

To be compliant on nonpartisanship and fairness, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 2.1 The applicant fact-checks using the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim.
  • 2.2 The applicant does not unduly concentrate its fact-checking on any one side, considers the reach and importance of claims it selects to check and publishes a short statement on its website to set out how it selects claims to check.
  • 2.3 The applicant discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided. It also discloses in its fact checks any commercial or other such relationships it has that a member of the public might reasonably conclude could influence the findings of the fact check.
  • 2.4 The applicant is not as an organization affiliated with nor declares or shows support for any party, any politician or political candidate, nor does it advocate for or against any policy positions on any issues save for transparency and accuracy in public debate.
  • 2.5 The applicant sets out its policy on non-partisanship for staff on its site. Save for the issues of accuracy and transparency, the applicant’s staff do not get involved in advocacy or publicise their views on policy issues the organization might fact check in such a way as might lead a reasonable member of the public to see the organization’s work as biased.

Criteria 2.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please share links to 10 fact checks published over the past year that you believe demonstrate your non-partisanship.
Please briefly explain how the fact checks selected show that (I) you use the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims, (II) follow the same essential process for every fact check and (III) let the evidence dictate your conclusions.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Here is a selection of non-partisan factchecks :

-https://www.francetvinfo.fr/replay-radio/le-vrai-du-faux/covid-19-les-vaccins-sont-ils-toujours-en-phase-d-etude-et-leurs-fabricants-degages-de-toute-responsabilite-comme-l-affirme-nicolas-dupont-aignan_4674915.html
-https://www.francetvinfo.fr/economie/budget/vrai-ou-fake-valerie-pecresse-a-t-elle-augmente-les-impots-et-creuse-la-dette-lorsqu-elle-etait-ministre-du-budget-comme-l-affirme-bruno-le-maire_4781531.html
-https://www.francetvinfo.fr/replay-radio/le-vrai-du-faux/le-pakistan-est-il-le-seul-pays-au-monde-a-avoir-mis-en-place-un-pass-sanitaire-tel-que-le-notre-comme-l-affirme-florian-philippot_4692363.html
-https://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/vrai-ou-fake-la-proposition-d-anne-hidalgo-de-doubler-les-salaires-dans-l-education-nationale-couterait-elle-150milliards-d-euros-comme-l-affirme-jean-michel-blanquer_4770699.html
-https://www.francetvinfo.fr/replay-radio/le-vrai-du-faux/est-ce-que-les-juges-ne-peuvent-pas-comme-l-affirme-fabien-roussel-rendre-ineligible-une-personne-condamnee-pour-incitation-a-la-haine-raciale_4785719.html
-https://www.francetvinfo.fr/politique/front-national/vrai-ou-fake-emploi-ikea-discrimine-t-il-les-francais-en-faveur-des-etrangers-comme-l-affirme-marine-le-pen_4838355.html
-https://www.francetvinfo.fr/sante/maladie/coronavirus/vaccin/vrai-ou-fake-les-vaccins-contre-le-covid-19-n-ont-ils-aucun-effet-sur-la-transmission-du-virus-comme-le-soutient-eric-zemmour_4876471.html
-https://www.francetvinfo.fr/economie/emploi/vrai-ou-fake-emmanuel-macron-a-t-il-raison-d-affirmer-qu-il-est-possible-de-mieux-gagner-sa-vie-en-restant-chez-soi-plutot-qu-en-travaillant_4700447.html
-https://www.francetvinfo.fr/replay-radio/le-vrai-du-faux/yannick-jadot-dit-il-vrai-sur-les-salaires-et-la-charge-de-travail-des-infirmiers_4864225.html
-https://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/presidentielle/vrai-ou-fake-la-mer-contient-elle-66-fois-l-energie-dont-on-a-besoin-sur-terre-comme-l-affirme-jean-luc-melenchon_4921331.html


Our journalists use a very rigorous method for every fact-checking : they search initial sources for images or allegations, find the context, and confront claims with facts, data, laws, studies, scientific experts ecc.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The "Vrai ou Fake" team works on every issues and their fact-checks seem to use the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim. We didn't find any example of obvious unfair treatment...

The team explains how the fact checks they selected show that they use the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html



done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 2.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you explain how you select claims to check, explaining how you ensure you do not unduly concentrate your fact-checking on any one side, and how you consider the reach and importance of the claims you select to check.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Franceinfo ethical charter is accessible from the footer of our pages and contains an entire chapter on fact-checking. This text is also accessible from our “Vrai ou fake” section. It explains how we select claims to check.

-Our ethical charter : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/
-Our factchecking charter : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The "Vrai ou Fake" team does not seem to unduly concentrate its fact-checking on any one side; it seems to consider the reach and importance of claims it selects to check.

Their fact-checking work is specific, cause they agregate fact-checking work from several French public media.

The "Vrai ou Fake" team publishes an explanation on its website to set out how it selects claims to check, here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/

And here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html

We can read :

""Vrai ou Fauxcovers all current topics, from politics to the economy, including health and sport. Franceinfo mainly takes up two types of statements in order to verify them: statements by public figures (politicians, business leaders, etc.) and rumors circulating on social networks.

Public audiovisual journalists choose to take up certain subjects themselves or select the questions that viewers, listeners and readers send to them, by email, or via the permanent live broadcast of franceinfo.fr. In both cases, their approach is the same: they decide to deal with a subject according to its relevance to current events, its virality and its importance in the public debate, according to its verifiability (a subject that is too subjective, too broad or too vague will be discarded), depending on the time they have to analyze it.

Journalists do not refrain from any subject, fact-check the remarks of all politicians, whether in government or in the opposition, never campaign for or against a political position. They take care to bring contradiction, to allow pluralist opinions to be expressed."


done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 2.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In view of what we have observed, the "Vrai ou Fake" team discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes and any commercial or other such relationships it has.


done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 2.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In view of what we have observed, the "Vrai ou Fake" team doesn't show support for any party, any politician or political candidate.


done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 2.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you publish a statement setting out your policy on non-partisanship for staff and how it ensures the organization meets this criteria.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Our ethical charter exposes our policy on non-partisanship.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The "Vrai ou Fake" team explains its policies to preserve its non-partisan way of fact-checking claims in different statements, in its ethical charter, here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html


It evokes :

"Franceinfo's information reflects accurate, balanced, complete and impartial news coverage. The exercise of rigorous, honest journalism, without prejudices or preferences, respectful of human dignity, as defined by the charters of professional ethics - and in particular, those of France Télévisions and radiofrance - determines this commitment. The editorial offer of Franceinfo is independent of all powers whatsoever."





done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Section 3: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Sources

To be compliant on sources, applicants must meet these four criteria

  • 3.1 The applicant identifies the source of all significant evidence used in their fact checks, providing relevant links where the source is available online, in such a way that users can replicate their work if they wish. In cases where identifying the source would compromise the source’s personal security, the applicant provides as much detail as compatible with the source’s safety.
  • 3.2 The applicant uses the best available primary, not secondary, sources of evidence wherever suitable primary sources are available. Where suitable primary sources are not available, the applicant explains the use of a secondary source.
  • 3.3 The applicant checks all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence save where the one source is the only source relevant on the topic.
  • 3.4 The applicant identifies in its fact checks the relevant interests of the sources it uses where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.

Criteria 3.1
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In view of what we have observed, the "Vrai ou Fake" team identifies the source of significant evidence used in its fact checks.

NB : the "Vrai ou Fake" fact-checking work is specific, cause the team agregate fact-checks from several media and some of them can use different way to mention the sources. 


done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 3.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In view of what we have observed, the "Vrai ou Fake" team uses (most of the time) the best available primary sources of evidence.

NB : the "Vrai ou Fake" fact-checking work is specific, cause the team agregate fact-checks from several media and some of them can use different way to use sources. 


done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 3.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In view of what we have observed, the "Vrai ou Fake" team checks all key elements of claims with more than one source of evidence.

NB : the "Vrai ou Fake" fact-checking work is specific, cause the team agregate fact-checks from several media and some of them can use different way to use sources. 


done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 3.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In view of what we have observed, the "Vrai ou Fake" team dentifies in its fact checks the relevant interests of the sources it uses where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.

NB : the "Vrai ou Fake" fact-checking work is specific, cause the team agregate fact-checks from several media and some of them can use different way to use sources. 


done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Section 4: A commitment to Transparency of Funding & Organization

To be compliant on funding and organization, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 4.1 Applicants that are independent organizations have a page on their website detailing each source of funding accounting for 5% or more of total revenue for its previous financial year. This page also sets out the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
  • 4.2 Applicants that are the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization make a statement on ownership.
  • 4.3 A statement on the applicant’s website sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
  • 4.4 A page on the applicant’s website details the professional biography of all those who, according to the organizational structure and play a significant part in its editorial output.
  • 4.5 The applicant provides easy means on its website and/or via social media for users to communicate with the editorial team.

Criteria 4.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please confirm whether you are an ‘independent organization’
or ‘the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization’ and share proof of this organizational status.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The section “Vrai ou fake” of franceinfo.fr is co-edited by french public broadcasters. Here is a statement on our status : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/cgu/

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

"Vrai ou Fake" is the fact-checking section of FranceInfo.fr website.

 Its organizational status are mentioned here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/cgu/

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html



done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 4.2
Proof you meet criteria
If your organization is an “independent organization”, please share a link to the page on your website where you detail your funding and indicate the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
If your organization is “the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization”, please share a link to the statement on your website about your ownership.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We detail our funding directly on our factchecking charter : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

As a fact-checking section of FranceInfo.fr, "Vrai ou Fake" shares a link to the statement on its website about its ownership :

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html


done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 4.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out your organizational structure, making clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Our organizational structure is presented on this page : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/journaliste/

franceinfo.fr
01-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

Our organizational structure is presented on this page : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/journaliste/

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Franceinfo.fr presents its team here: 

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/journaliste/

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/les-journalistes-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138945.html


But it doesn't makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised (Chief editor, deputy-chief editor, etc.).



cancel 4.3 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
06-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

Franceinfo.fr presents its team here: 

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/journaliste/

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/les-journalistes-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138945.html


It makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised (Chief editor, deputy-chief editor, etc.).



done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 4.4
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out the professional biographies of those who play a significant part in your organization’s editorial output.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Biographies of our factchecking journalists are available here : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/les-journalistes-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138945.html

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The "Vrai ou Fake" team presents a page detailing the name and surname of the team members, and their professional biographies here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/les-journalistes-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138945.html



done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 4.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you encourage users to communicate with your editorial team.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We encourage our audience to ask for factcheckings in this page through a Google form : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/vraioufake-vous-avez-vu-circuler-une-information-ou-une-image-qui-vous-interpellent-et-vous-doutez-de-sa-veracite-signalez-nous-la_4644967.html
We
encourage our audience to ask for fact-checkings each day in our “live” : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/en-direct/

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

There's a paragraph on the website called "Comment contacter l'équipe de Vrai ou fake ?", here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html

But the invitation to contact the team is still quite hidden.

It’s not really easy for readers to contact the "Vrai ou Fake" team.



done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Section 5: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Methodology

To be compliant on methodology, applicants must meet these six criteria

  • 5.1 The applicant publishes on its website a statement about the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish its fact checks.
  • 5.2 The applicant selects claims to check based primarily on the reach and importance of the claims, and where possible explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.
  • 5.3 The applicant sets out in its fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.
  • 5.4 The applicant in its fact checks assesses the merits of the evidence found using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.
  • 5.5 The applicant seeks where possible to contact those who made the claim to seek supporting evidence, noting that (I) this is often not possible with online claims, (II) if the person who makes the claim fails to reply in a timely way this should not impede the fact check, (III) if a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker should be free to continue with checking the original claim, (IV) fact-checkers may not wish to contact the person who made the claim for safety or other legitimate reasons.
  • 5.6 The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable.

Criteria 5.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to the statement on your website that explains the methodology you use to select, research, write and publish your fact checks.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Our methodology is explained in our factchecking charter :

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The "Vrai ou Fake" team gives precisions about its fact-checking methodology in its code of ethics and in its charter, here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html

"The fact-checking journalists first apply themselves to finding the images or the precise terms of the allegations to be verified, based on written quotations or sound and video recordings. They then determine the context. Finally, they confront the initial assertion with the reality of the facts, data, figures, laws, etc. In their subjects, they identify the source of all the evidence gathered, always privileging primary sources (and explaining why they cite secondary sources if primary sources are not available) and providing hypertext links if the source is available online, so that the public can, if they wish, reproduce this work or have the digital tools to do so."


done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 5.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In view of what we have observed (20 fact checks selection), the "Vrai ou Fake" journalists select claims to check based primarily on the reach and importance of the claims, and sometimes explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.


done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 5.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In view of what we have observed (20 fact checks selection), the "Vrai ou Fake" journalists set out in their fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it. 


done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 5.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In view of what we have observed (20 fact checks selection), the "Vrai ou Fake" journalists assess the merits of the evidence found using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim. 


done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 5.5
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In view of what we have observed (20 fact checks selection), the "Vrai ou Fake" journalists seek where possible to contact those who made the claim. But that depends on the journalists doing the fact-checking work. 


done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 5.6
Proof you meet criteria
Please describe how you encourage users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable. Include links where appropriate. If you do not allow this, explain why.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We didn't find the "ask for fact-checking form" mentionned by the team...


But FranceInfo journalists makes it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html

"Please note that some information is verifiable and some is not. The "Vrai ou Fake" team only verifies statements that contain factual elements likely to be confirmed or invalidated, dates, figures, places on facts that have occurred recently or in the past. The team does not verify statements that are projections into the future or that are subjective or felt."



But it should find a better way to encourage users to send claims to fact-check cause the invitation to do so is hidden at the end of a charter page.


cancel 5.6 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
06-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

FranceInfo journalists makes it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html

"Please note that some information is verifiable and some is not. The "Vrai ou Fake" team only verifies statements that contain factual elements likely to be confirmed or invalidated, dates, figures, places on facts that have occurred recently or in the past. The team does not verify statements that are projections into the future or that are subjective or felt."


And there's a "ask for fact-checking form" mentionned here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/vraioufake-vous-avez-vu-circuler-une-information-ou-une-image-qui-vous-interpellent-et-vous-doutez-de-sa-veracite-signalez-nous-la_4644967.html


But it should find a better way to encourage users to send claims to fact-check cause the invitation to do so is hidden in the middle of a charter page.


done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Section 6: A commitment to an Open & Honest Corrections Policy

To be compliant on corrections policy, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 6.1 The applicant has a corrections or complaints policy that is easily visible and accessible on the organization’s website or frequently referenced in broadcasts.
  • 6.2 The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled, and the fact that some complaints may justify no response. This policy is adhered to scrupulously.
  • 6.3 Where credible evidence is provided that the applicant has made a mistake worthy of correction, the applicant makes a correction openly and transparently, seeking as far as possible to ensure that users of the original see the correction and the corrected version.
  • 6.4 The applicant, if an existing signatory, should either on its corrections/complaints page or on the page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory inform users that if they believe the signatory is violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN, with a link to the IFCN site.
  • 6.5 If the applicant is the fact-checking unit of a media company, it is a requirement of signatory status that the parent media company has and adheres to an open and honest corrections policy.

Criteria 6.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to where you publish on your website your corrections or complaints policy. If you are primarily a broadcaster, please provide evidence you frequently reference your corrections policy in broadcasts.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Our corrections policy is described in our charter :

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The "Vrai ou Fake" section gives precisions about its corrections policy here:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html

"The "Vrai ou Fake" team has a clear and transparent correction policy.

In the event of a minor error (which does not fundamentally change the meaning of the content) corrected one hour after its publication, this is reported, in complete transparency, at the beginning of the content with the mention "CORRECTION", a short text mentioning the erroneous version and the corrected version, as well as a message of apology addressed to the public.

In the event of a simple error (but which totally changes the meaning of the content), this is reported, in complete transparency, at the beginning of the content with the mention "CORRECTION", a longer and more detailed text mentioning the erroneous version, the corrected version and explanations, as well as an apology addressed to the public. The words "RECTIFICATIF" also appear at the beginning of the title. 

In the event of a major error (which completely changes the meaning of the content) with significant repercussions, and whatever the origin of the error, Franceinfo rectifies the original content (in the same way as in case 2) and publishes a new article describing the nature of the error committed and providing elements of explanation. 

If incorrect information has been pushed, franceinfo pushes a CORRECTION."



done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact-check, are handled. The "Vrai ou Fake" journalists seems to follow this corrections policy quite scrupulously.

But it doesn't set clearly that some complaints may justify no response.


cancel 6.2 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
06-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact-check, are handled. It also sets clearly that some complaints may justify no response. The "Vrai ou Fake" journalists seems to follow this corrections policy quite scrupulously.



done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 6.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a short statement about how the policy was adhered to over the previous year (or six months if this is the first application) including evidence of two examples of the responses provided by the applicant to a correction request over the previous year. Where no correction request has been made in the previous year, you must state this in your application, which will be publicly available in the assessment if your application is successful.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

I have one example of correction in the last year. https://www.francetvinfo.fr/economie/emploi/carriere/vie-professionnelle/sante-au-travail/vrai-ou-fake-covid-19-le-gouvernement-peut-il-vraiment-rendre-le-teletravail-obligatoire_4896649.html

This correction is indicated in the first paragraph. Nobody asked us for this correction but we juged it useful

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The "Vrai ou Fake" journalists provide credible evidence that it makes corrections openly and transparently.

The team gives only one example:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/economie/emploi/carriere/vie-professionnelle/sante-au-travail/vrai-ou-fake-covid-19-le-gouvernement-peut-il-vraiment-rendre-le-teletravail-obligatoire_4896649.html

The team explains that it has no other example of corrections made to an article in the past year.


done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 6.4
Proof you meet criteria
If you are an existing signatory, please provide a link to show where on your site you inform users that if they believe you are violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN of this, with a link to the complaints page on the IFCN site.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In our charter we inform users that they can contact IFCN for any violation : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The "Vrai ou Fake" website has a page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory and where it informs users that if they believe its journalists are violating the IFCN Code, people may inform the IFCN, with a link to the IFCN site:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html



done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.

Criteria 6.5
Proof you meet criteria
If you are the fact-checking unit of a media company, please provide a link to the parent media company’s honest and open corrections policy and provide evidence that it adheres to this.

franceinfo.fr
26-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Our corrections policy for fact-checking is also valid for our whole offer.

franceinfo.fr
01-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

Our corrections policy for fact-checking is also valid for our whole offer.

Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The parent media companies of "Vrai ou Fake", called Radio France and France Televisions, explain that they have the same honest and open corrections policy.

Butin their code of ethics, the correction policy seems attached to the fact-checking section only:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/

It would be better to put the paragraph concerning the correction policy out of the fact-checking section of the Franceinfo code of ethics...


cancel 6.5 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
06-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The parent media companies of "Vrai ou Fake", called Radio France and France Televisions, explain that they have the same honest and open corrections policy.

Their code of ethics mentions the corrections policy also valid for their whole offer:

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/



done_all 6.5 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.