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. This media is compliant with all of the new principles enacted by the IFCN..
However, the media must anticipate some changes because there are still contentious points with regard to the IFCN charter, such as, in particular, the clear invitation to readers to send claim to fact-check.
We still encourage "Vrai ou Fake" to take a good look at the evaluation of the other criteria, as they contain recommendations to bring the site more in line with the IFCN code of principles.
Laurent Bigot assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
La rubrique "Vrai ou Fake" du site "FranceInfo.fr" a déjà respecté le code de principes de l'IFCN, sous son ancienne version. Quelques ajustements lui permettent aujourd'hui de respecter l'intégralité des 31 critères issus de la nouvelle version de ce code. L'organisation de ses pages a été revue pour rendre visible et immédiatement accessible pour ses lecteurs l'ensemble du mode d'emploi (appelé "charte"). Ainsi la transparence vis-à-vis des lecteurs, le principe qui préside à l'ensemble du code de l'IFCN, est mieux respecté. Les lecteurs ne sont pas encore réellement incités à demander par eux-mêmes des fact-checks. Enfin, l'évaluation du site laisse entrevoir que plusieurs autres critères (marqués ici, cette fois-ci, comme conformes) mériteraient d'être améliorés ; il est nécessaire d'anticiper dès aujourd'hui une éventuelle prochaine candidature pour se mettre totalement en conformité.
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The section “Vrai ou fake” of franceinfo.fr is co-edited by french public broadcasters (France Télévisions, Radio France, France Médias Monde, Arte, TV5 Monde, INA). 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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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, France Médias Monde, Arte, TV5 Monde and INA.
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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.
Over the coming year, we will certainly continue to cover the coronavirus pandemic and all fake news about vaccines, medication, masks, ecc.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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. The team plans to continue their verification work, specifically on the medical 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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
All fact-checkings are published on this page : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our organizations are editorially completely independent from state, politicians or political parties.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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 should explain by itself with more detail its the institutional relationship it ha to the French state.
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our organizations receive no funding from local or foreign state or political sources.
franceinfo.fr
15-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
France Televisions and Radio France receive funding from the French State. Our chart is now accessible on the Vrai ou fake section in the right column. It explains our financement ("Comment les entreprises de l'audiovisuel public sont-elles financées ?) and contains a statement on our independence ("Quelles sont les valeurs des entreprises de l'audiovisuel public ?".)
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html
Capture d’eěcran 20... (504 KB)
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
"Vrai ou Fake", the fact-checking section of FranceInfo.fr receives funding from the French state which is its owner.
But, it does not provide a statement on its site how it ensures its funders do not influence the findings of its reports in its French version.
cancel 1.6 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Oct-2020 (4 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.
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" team works on every issues at an national and international levels.
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...
But the team doen't explain how the fact checks they selected show that they use the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims.
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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 explaination 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/
We can read :
""True or fake" covers all topical issues, from politics to economics, health and sport. Franceinfo mainly uses two types of assertions in order to verify them: statements by public figures (politicians, business leaders, etc.) and rumors circulating on social networks.
Public audiovisual journalists choose to self-refer to certain subjects or select the questions that viewers, listeners and readers address to them, in particular via the permanent Live of franceinfo.fr. In both cases, their approach is the same: they decide to treat a subject based on its relevance to current events, its virality, and its importance in the public debate, depending on its verifiability ( a subject that is too subjective, too vast, or too vague, will be discarded), depending on the time available to analyze it.
Journalists do not shy away from any subject, fact-check what all politicians say, whether in government or opposition, never advocate for or against a political position. They are careful 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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our ethical charter exposes our policy on non-partisanship.
franceinfo.fr
15-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The Vrai ou Fake team explains its policies to preserve its non-partisan ways in its particular chart.
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" team explains its policies to preserve its non-partisan way of fact-checking claims in different statements, but only in its ethical charter, here:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/
It evokes :
"Franceinfo's information reflects accurate, balanced, complete and impartial coverage of the news. The exercise of rigorous, honest journalism, without prejudices or preferences, respectful of human dignity, as defined by the professional ethics charters - and in particular those of France Télévisions and Radio France - conditions this commitment. Franceinfo's editorial offer is independent of all powers whatsoever."
But this code of ethics is global and, in the "Vrai ou Fake" website, there's no explanation about the team's policies to preserve its non-partisan way of fact-checking claims.
cancel 2.5 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Now, the "Vrai ou Fake" team explains its policies to preserve its non-partisan way of fact-checking claims in different statements, but only in its ethical charter, here:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html
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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" section and the FranceInfo.fr website has a specific section to detail its organizational status here:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/cgu/”.
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our ownership is also quoted in this page : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/cgu/
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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/cgu/
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our organizational structure is presented on this page : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/journaliste/
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" team presents its organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised (Chief editor, deputy-chief editor, etc.) here:
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our journalists are presented on this page : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/journaliste/
franceinfo.fr
15-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
A new page presents ths biographies of Vrai ou Fake collaborators. https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/les-journalistes-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138945.html
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" team presents a page detailing the name and surname of the team members here:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/journaliste/
But with no professional biography of all those who play a significant part in its articles.
cancel 4.4 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" team presents a page detailing the biographies of the team members here:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/journaliste/
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our email address and others ways to interact with our journalists are quoted in our ethical charter : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/
franceinfo.fr
15-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
"Comment contacter l'équipe de Vrai ou fake ?" is now more accessible in this page : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
It’s not really easy for readers to contact the "Vrai ou Fake" team.
They have to open a new page (https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/) and read a big part of the code of ethics to find an generic e-mail adress
There's no page on the website called "Contactez-nous". No phone number. No social network.
Of course, readers can challenge journalists in the FranceInfo live, but the invitation to do so is hidden in the code of ethics.
cancel 4.5 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Now, there's a page 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.
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our methodology is explained in our charter :
franceinfo.fr
15-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The methodology is no more hidden. It is explained in our chart : "how do we choose declarations to fact-check ?" and "what is the method of our journalists ?"
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" team gives precisions about its fact-checking methodology in its code of ethics, here:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/
And at the top of the page here:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/
But in both cases, this information is hidden, as if journalists do not want to ensure full transparency of their methodology or their membership.
cancel 5.1 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" team gives precisions about its fact-checking methodology, here:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html
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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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.
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We encourage our audience to ask for fact-checkings each day in our “live” : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/en-direct/
franceinfo.fr
15-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our chart explains more precisely " How to contact the Vrai ou Fake team ?" : with an email and links to our Live and social media accounts.It precises the kind of statements that can be treated and the kind of questions that are not verifiable.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
That's right that readers can challenge journalists in the FranceInfo live, but the invitation to do so is hidden in the code of ethics.
There’s no dedicated page to invite readers to submit claims to fact-check on FranceInfo website.
We can find only find a specific paragraph in the middle of the code of ethics, here:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/
"How to contact us ? To report unverified information or exchange with our journalists, you can post questions or comments in Live, on franceinfo's Twitter and Facebook accounts, or send an email to cell.franceinfo@radiofrance.com." (no link on the e-mail adress)
And here, at the end of a hidden page:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/
So we can say that, in a way, the FranceInfo journalists don't encourage users to send claims to check and don't make it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable.
cancel 5.6 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Now, FranceInfo journalists makes it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable.
But it should find a better way to encourage users to send claims to fact-check !
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our corrections policy is described in our charter :
franceinfo.fr
15-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our correction policy is no more hidden.
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" section gives precisions about its corrections policy in its code of ethics, here:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/
And in a hidden page with a specific access at the top of its home page here:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/
"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 indicated, in complete transparency, at the beginning of the content with the mention “CORRECTIVE”, a short text mentioning the erroneous and corrected version, as well as a message of apology to the public. In the event of a simple error (but which completely changes the meaning of the content), it is indicated, in complete transparency, at the beginning of the content with the mention “CORRECTIVE”, a longer and detailed text mentioning the erroneous version, the corrected version and explanations, as well as an apology to the public. The words "CORRECTION" 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 corrects the original content (in the same way as in case 2) and publishes a new article describing the nature of the error made and providing explanations.
If erroneous information has been pushed, franceinfo pushes a CORRECTION."
So we can say that the "Vrai ou Fake" section has got a corrections policy, but that it is not easily visible and accessible at all.
cancel 6.1 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" section gives precisions about its corrections policy, here:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html
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.
franceinfo.fr
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
franceinfo.fr
15-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The chart is now clearer.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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.
But it doesn't set clearly that some complaints may justify no response.
The "Vrai ou Fake" journalists seems to follow this corrections policy quite scrupulously.
cancel 6.2 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 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.
And it 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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Here is an example of a major mistake on the false arrestation of Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès. There is no example of a fail in fact-checking.
Our first article with a “correctif” : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/faits-divers/xavier-dupont-de-ligonnes/xavier-dupont-de-ligonnes-soupconne-d-avoir-tue-sa-famille-a-nantes-en-2011-a-ete-arrete-a-glasgow-en-ecosse_3655171.html
An article to explain our mistake : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/faits-divers/xavier-dupont-de-ligonnes/affaire-xavier-dupont-de-ligonnes-pourquoi-les-medias-et-franceinfo-se-sont-ils-trompes_3656277.html
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" journalists provide credible evidence that it makes corrections openly and transparently.
The team gives 2 examples from 2 different articles :
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The way to address complaints is described in our charter :
franceinfo.fr
15-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The chart adds a specifiation : "Les lecteurs, auditeurs et téléspectateurs de franceinfo peuvent informer l'IFCN en cas de manquement de ses journalistes à ces engagements."
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" website has a page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory in the middle of its code of ethics here;
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/
But nowhere the website 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.
cancel 6.4 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Oct-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The "Vrai ou Fake" website has a page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory in the middle of its code of ethics here;
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/vrai-ou-fake/la-charte-de-vrai-ou-fake_4138939.html
The team 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.
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
18-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our corrections policy for fact-checking is also valid for our whole offer.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
29-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The parent media companies of "Vrai ou Fake", called Radio France and France Televisions, have the same honest and open corrections policy.
The "Vrai ou Fake" code of ethics is available for all of them:
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/charte-deontologique/