BBC Media Action has been working across the Pacific Islands since 2024, training and mentoring journalists in Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and Fiji.
Our team is supporting more open and accountable media in a region where internet usage is growing fast, and where people new to the flood of information are especially susceptible to mis- and disinformation.
This special two-week programme in Fiji introduced editors from across the region and local reporters to verification tools used by BBC News’ specialist fact-checking team to help them tackle disinformation and false claims in their daily work.
Launched in May 2023, BBC Verify fact-checks information, verifies video content, analyses data, and counters disinformation – using open-source intelligence (OSINT) and forensic techniques to provide transparency behind news stories.
Flora Carmichael, an editor at BBC Verify, recently joined BBC Media Action in Fiji to deliver training to Pacific Island journalists
Here’s what the journalists had to say:
“The fight is not only against corruption, but also against disinformation,” said Shalveen Chand, editor at the Samoa Observer
“With elections coming up and everything else happening in Fiji, it is really good to have this session.” said Lusi Banuve Journalist, Mai TV.
“It’s provided us with a lot to think about, especially in the online space where everyone claims to be a journalist.” said Matthew Vari, digital director at Post-Courier Daily.
“This will come and play a big part in the coverage and training, upskilling of our media personnel, as a skill that they will take into covering the national general elections, come next year.” said Genesis Ketan Senior Journalist Trainer, Media Council PNG
“We need to know how to utilise the tools that are already there, in order to get the correct information out there to our audience,” said Ivamere Nataro Senior Journalist, Fiji Sun
“During the duration of the training, I understood how misinterpretation of information would mislead our audience,” Josefa Sigavolavola Multimedia Journalist, FBC
“It has been really useful for me, re-emphasising the importance of fact-checking and verifying the information that we distribute to the public.” said Popua Uliuli Aho Head of News, Tonga Broadcasting Commission.
“I hope the tools we’ve shared with the journalists will help them ensure quality journalism is delivered for audiences across the Pacific Islands,” said Flora Carmichael, BBC Verify editor.
