Organization: INTERNEWS KOSOVA
Applicant: FAIK ISPAHIU
Assessor: Jeton Mehmeti
Background
It is clear from the evidence provided by the applicant that Internews Kosova has continued its operation as fact-checking organization throughout the year. It is also evident that the number of fact checks has increased, exceeding the weekly minimum required to be an IFCN signatory. It appears that over 20 people are involved directly in this operation, which is a significant number of media employees in Kosovo's standards. In addition to fact checking of public statements made by public officials, the applicant has provided evidence of fact-checking other media too. The examples provided show massive breach of reporting standards by some online media, whether intentionally or not. Given the rapid increase of online media in the country such media scrutiny is an effective way to combating false news. Finally, goals of fact-checking operation for the upcoming year, as shared by the applicant, seem to be in line with the investigative nature of the organization.
Assessment Conclusion
The applicant is a legally registered organization in Kosovo, with a team and media product set up exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking. The applicant has published fact checks constantly on claims that have an impact on society. The criteria used in fact checking appear to be in line with the IFCN standards.The applicant uses a variety of financial sources to fund its activities, while international donors and foreign embassies appears to cover most of its activities. Financial details of its income along with the names and logos of donors are available in the website. Overall reporting appears to be balanced, with articles targeting all political parties and all social/economic issues. Evidence provided by the applicant shows that the organization adheres to correction and complains policy. A letter to the editor section explains how users can approach the organization. The correction policy section explains the many ways users can contact the organization to make their claims. Overall, one can find sufficient information about the legal status, the mission, people involved, editorial policies and donors. The general conclusion is that the applicant is compliant with IFCN principles.
Jeton Mehmeti assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
Është e qartë nga dëshmitë e deponuara se aplikuesi Internews Kosova i përmbush standarded e kërkuara nga Rrjeti Ndërkombëtar për Verifikim të Fakteve (International Fact-checking Network). Përmes programit të “Krypometër”, i dedikuar ekskulizivisht për verifikim të lajmeve, me një ekip të dedikuar enkas dhe metodologj hulumtuese transparente, aplikuesi ka tejkaluar numrin minimal të publikimeve javore të artikujve ‘fact-checks’ të kërkuara nga IFCN. Artikujt e analizuar verifikojnë vërtetësinë e deklaratave publike dhe realizimin e premtimeve të zyrtarëve publik, të cilat janë me interes për mirëqënien e individëve dhe qytatarëve në përgjithësi. Përtej verifikimit të deklaratave publike, aplikuesi ka dëshmuar se ka publikuar edhe artikuj mbi vërtetësinë e raportimeve të mediave të tjera. Deshmitë në formë të linkut, video apo ‘screenshot’ tregojnë për raportime të rreme të disa medieve online. Kjo qasje e re e evidentimit të raportimit të rrejshëm ndihmon në luftimin e shpërndarjes së lajmeve të rreme në shoqërinë kosovare. Marrë parasysh konsistencën në verifikin e lajmëve, standardet e raportimit, transparencën editoriale dhe organizative, vlerësimi përfundimtar është se Internews Kosova i përmbush parimet e IFCN.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The 'about us' section of the main website contains sufficient information about the legal status of the organization as well as the history of the organization. It is clearly indicated that the organization has created "Krypometer" exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking. Moreover, the organization has provided a link that shows its membership to the Kosovo press-council, a self-regulatory media organization that aims to promote best journalism standards.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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?
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
1. The fact-checking operation of Internews Kosova started in 2016 since the Kosovo media lacked fact-checking journalists and the need for trained and certified fact-checking media outlets and journalists was imperative.
2. Internews Kosova has a staff of more than 20 people including the: executive director, editor in chief, managing editors, editors, journalists, legal advisors, monitors, cameraman, video editors and administrators.
3. Other activities that our organization carries out include:
- Media monitoring of public officials’ statements;
- Production of databases conducting monitoring of the statements made by public officials;
- Fact-checking and monitoring of media publications;
- Production of TV programs;
- Production of web TV and articles;
- Monitoring of courts, prosecutions, and public services;
- Training's on various fields with a focus on fact-checking journalism and the monitoring of justice system.
4. The fact-checking goal of our organization for the upcoming year are listed below:
- Increasing the number of fact-checkers within the organization
- Increasing the number of fact-checking articles on Krypometer (Salt-o-Meter)
- Increasing the number of fact-checking reports from other media outlets (Debunking fake news)
- Increasing the number of training's for young journalists in in-depth investigative journalism and fact-checking
- Increasing the quality of TV production, Web productions, and info-graphics of fact-checking articles/publications
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
It is clear from the explanation provided by the applicant that Internews Kosova has extended its operation as fact-checking organization to over four years now. Over 20 people are involved directly in this operation, which is a significant number of media employees in Kosovo's standards. A variety of activities are shown to be carried out by the applicant, including fact-checking of other media publication, which is a rare and necessary feature given the rapid rise of online media in the country. Goals of fact-checking operation for the upcoming year seem to be in line with the mission of the organization.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
https://kallxo.com/krypometer/
From January 16, 2020 to April 16, 2020 Internews Kosova published a total of 34 fact-checking articles on its Krypometer (Salt-o-meter) section including the statements of public officials as the Prime Minister, the head of opposition, former Prime Minister, the Mayor of the capital city, etc.
The links in the excel document attached include 15 fact-checking articles related to statements made by public officials. Some of these articles are in regards to statements and inaccuracies made by political parties such as LVV and LDK regarding their coalition including the delays made by these parties for reaching an agreement in forming a new government. Other articles deal with the implementation of municipal investment projects such as installing street cameras, public lighting as well as drinking water as important problems affecting the welfare of the citizens directly. Other articles treat the issue of non-fulfillment of promises made for the building of stray dog shelter in the municipality of Ferizaj which is the third largest municipality in Kosovo, media disinformation or fake news regarding the board appointments or false alarms from media outlets regarding COVID-19 epidemic.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
A spreadsheet is attached and contains the links of 16 fact checks published in the last three months. They contain public statements made by public officials, political parties or prosecutors. Some of the stories are about fact-checking other media's false reporting on various issues. Most statements appear to be a 'public interest' issue and different political parties are represented in fact checking.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The criteria used in fact checking appear to be in line with the IFCN standards. Each story contains evidence and background information on the claims that are evaluated. A range of violation of the promises is used under each story, as well as a 'true' statement in some cases.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
Internews Kosova is primarily funded by international independent donors or foreign embassies/ministries of foreign affairs including but not limited to the European Union schemes, National Endowment for Democracy, USAID projects/schemes as a third party recipient, Swiss Development Cooperation, Balkan Trust for Democracy, UNDP, etc..
Internews Kosova rely almost exclusively on projects funded by these donors. A small portion of the projects are funded by public institutions in Kosovo, including the Public Broadcaster for the broadcasting of two investigative televised programs in prime time on the Public TV of Kosova, as well as small projects funded by other public entities. Such an example is the project titled “Raising capacities of students with extraordinary intelligence, special talents with a focus on the field of journalism” funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology from which our organization launched the KALLXORinia section in its KALLXO.com platform, which aims to become a national school level journal that will promote events, ideas, and other activities of students in different municipalities. Internews Kosova selected the most prominent public high schools in the field of language which is mostly related to the training of journalism provided by our team. A total of 73 high school students participated in the training on journalistic writing skills, TV journalism, investigative journalism, fact-checking and ethics.
In addition, the platform also includes ads from businesses which are not monitored by us (ads appearing on Facebook or Gjirafa local engine where out TV programs are broadcast/shown). However, we have no control over the content of the ads.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant uses a variety of financial sources to fund its activities. Mostly it appears to be funded by international donors and foreign embassies. Funding provided by Kosovo public institutions is also mentioned by the applicant, which is stated to be small in comparison to international funding. All the names and logos of donors are shown in the website. There is no indication of any political interference in its reporting. Overall reporting appears to be balanced, with articles targeting all political parties and all social/economic issues.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
The work of Internews Kosova is funded by independent donors. The donations and ads revenue in no way interfere with the editorial policy of our platform KALLXO.com. Our professional team ensures that readers are aware that the sponsored articles or any borrowed content are specified for the readers and appropriate disclaimers are published. For more information on our principles please see the following links:
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The website contains a section about all donors of the organization. In another section, the editorial policies of fact checking are mentioned. Overall, one can find sufficient information about the legal status, the mission, people involved, editorial policies and donors. In some cases disclaimers are published, which show the names of donors and projects.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
The below listed fact-checking articles are related to statements on public interest given by public officials, the opposition, and the mayors of the main municipalities in Kosovo.
Their statements are verified by gathering the needed information in order to prove their truthfulness or vice versa. The same standards are used for the verification of every statement, regardless of the official position or the affiliation of these individuals, be it institutional, political, religious, or ethnic.
The methodology of fact-checking is applied in the same way to verify each statement, while the conclusions are reached based only on evidence and facts. These rules are followed by the editorial team, where more than two people measure the statements based on qualification and facts.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has not shared links to 10 fact checks, however, from the website one can find sufficient articles that demonstrate that the same standards apply for the verification of official statements made by all public officials, from the government and opposition too. It appears that the same essential process is used for every fact check. Each fact check article contains sufficient background information, clear evidence as well as links of other articles related to the topic. The conclusion in most cases is suggested by the organization i.e. each fact-check statement is assessed as true or false or something in between.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
Internews Kosova’s KALLXO.com is part of the International Fact-checking Network since 2016 and is known for functioning based on the highest standards of fact-checking and professional journalism, and promotes media literacy and critical thinking. In addition to being part of an international network of fact-checkers, we also subscribe to the Ethical Principles that need to be applied when facts are checked. Recently Internews Kosova has become part of the Anti-Disinformation Network for the Balkans which aims to advocate for cross-border cooperation between civil society organizations, media outlets, educational institutions, and other relevant institutions who share the common interest of battling disinformation.
For more information, please visit: https://prishtinainsight.com/krypometer-kosovos-first-fact-checker/
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
It is quite visible on the website a section that explain how 'krypometer' works. The main principles of fact-checking are explained, as well as the categories under which the truthfulness or falsehood of statements falls.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The number of fact check articles in the last year has increased. One reason for the increase seems to be the fact-checking of other media's reporting. A significant number of articles are on false reporting or fake news published by online media in Kosovo. In such cases screenshots of such media are published. This is a good contribution in battling fake news as the number of online media that deliberately violate ethical standards is increasing. Most topics covered are of public interest too. Fact-checking is also a direct pressure on elected officials to keep up to their promises. Overall, it is evident that the organization has invested in both the quantity and quality of fact checks published over the previous year.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
As above, the fact checks articles are in line with the IFCN standards.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
Please see attached:
The Statute of Internews Kosova
Internews Kosova Ethics and Code of Conducts
Statement of Principles
Confidentiality Declaration
More information can be found also on the link: https://kallxo.com/per-ne/
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has shared a number of documents that show how the organization meets the criteria of non-partisanship. The statute of the organization shows the legal status of it; the code of ethics shows the standards of reporting; the statement of principles shows the non-partisanship reporting; and the confidentiality declaration shows the principles of protection of privileged and confidential information. The 'about us' section also contains information about the non-partisanship commitment of the organization.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Each fact check article has a source that allows users to trace the original source of that information. Sources appear to be in forms of video, hyperlinks or screenshots. The latter is typically used in fact checks of media information that are considered to be false. Each story contains background information and other related links that allow users to better understand the context.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Due to a variety of products produced by the applicant as well as relatively large number of staff, most of the sources used in fact check articles are primary sources of evidence. Evidence is gathered either from field reporters or TV shows produced by the applicant.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Most fact check articles contain more than one source of evidence.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Fact check articles have their sources that allows users to have a perspective of their own.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
Krypometer is the fact-checking section of Internews Kosova and BIRN Kosova.
https://prishtinainsight.com/krypometer-kosovos-first-fact-checker/
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The legal status of the organization is explained in the website as well as the fact-checking section of it. Reporting appears to be objective, well-sourced and independent of political influence.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
https://internewskosova.org/en/per-ne-2/
https://internewskosova.org/en/reports/
https://birn.eu.com/network/birn-kosovo/birn-kosovo-about/
https://birn.eu.com/outputs/annual-and-financial-reports-birn-kosovo/
Please note that financial statements for 2019 will be published by May 2020 due to extended deadlines as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://api.kallxo.com/en/about-us
https://prishtinainsight.com/kryptometer-fact-checking-license-extended/
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The information in the website shows that the organization is registered as a non-profit entity. Financial statements for previous years are published in the website, with the exception of 2019 which has an extended deadline applicable for all organizations in Kosovo. A statement of fact-checking is also available in the website that informs users about this feature.
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
15-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The link has not been shared.
cancel 4.3 marked as Request change by Jeton Mehmeti.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
16-May-2020 (4 years ago)
One of the shared links shows the hierarchical structure of the editorial team as well as their names. The other shared link leads to the website where the names and job positions of all staff are clearly indicated, including the editorial team.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The link shared shows all the biographies of the staff.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
All three links that are shared here show information as well as encouragement for users to communicate with the editorial team. Under the heading entitled "Report Corruption", users are allowed to reach with the editorial team by sharing information, documents or simply connect with the organization.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The website contains details information about the methodology used for fact check. It shows how a statement is selected for verification, how the research is done, how it is categorized based on the level of truthfulness/fulfillment, and how mistakes are edited and how the correction policy works.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
A randomised sample shows that the applicant selects claims to check based on the importance of the claims for the general public as well as based on the importance of the people and parties involved. A number of sampled articles were about the post-election development as political parties struggled to form a government coalition. Some articles explain the reason for choosing the claims to check..
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
All articles contain relevant evidence that appears to support the claim. Evidence is provided in most cases in the form of hyperlink or screenshots.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The same standards appear to be applied to evidence the claim regardless of who made the claim.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
In some cases, the applicant asks directly for supporting evidence for claims. For instance one article shows a promise made by the Prime Minister on a live TV show produced by the applicant. The next day the Prime Minister fulfilled his promise, and this was shown in the fact check section.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
Internews Kosova encourages readers to send claims to fact-check reports which is done under a special section of our platform KALLXO.com which is titled Report Corruption: https://api.kallxo.com/en
The reports are posted in the website and the guidelines on how to report are provided on the link: https://api.kallxo.com/en/how-to-report
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Users are clearly encouraged to send claims for fact-check reports and the process is done on anonymous grounds. The guidelines are also available in the website on how to submit a claim.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The link shared by the applicant shows that the organization uses a correction and complains policy. A letter to the editor section explains how users can approach the organization. The correction policy section explains the many ways users can contact the organization to make their claims.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
All information about the organization are available in the website. The office address is shown, as well as two telephone numbers and the contacting email address.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
We had no reactions or requests for corrections on any of the fact-checking articles. However, for other articles, we have had two instances of reactions in the following links, to serve as an example/illustration:
https://kallxo.com/auditim/shkeljet-qe-mund-te-cojne-ne-shkarkimin-e-bordit-te-postes-se-kosoves/
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
No examples of correction requests are provided by the applicant. However, two examples showing reactions by institutions are shared here, which are published in their original format in the website of the organization.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
INTERNEWS KOSOVA
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago)
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
In the 'about us' section of the website, users are informed that Kallxo.com is a signatory of the IFCN Code and the link is provided in the website that leads directly to the complains page on the IFCN site.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
It is evident that "Krypometer" is an exclusively fact-check section of Kallxo.com. All necessary information about the methodology of fact-checking and the correction policy of the parent media organization are available in the website. Letters to editors that are published and mentioned earlier are evidence that the organization adheres to correction policy.