What are the latest fact-checking and investigative reporting techniques for journalists?

1 Data journalism

Data journalism is the practice of using data as a source of stories, as well as a tool for analysis, visualization, and storytelling. Data journalism can help journalists find patterns, trends, and anomalies in large and diverse datasets, and present them in compelling and interactive ways. Data journalism can also help journalists fact-check claims, compare sources, and verify data quality and reliability. Some of the latest data journalism techniques include scraping data from websites, using APIs to access data sources, applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to data analysis, and creating interactive dashboards and maps.

2 Collaborative journalism

Collaborative journalism is the practice of working with other journalists, media outlets, or organizations to produce stories that benefit from shared resources, expertise, and perspectives. Collaborative journalism can help journalists overcome challenges such as limited time, budget, or access, as well as increase the reach, impact, and diversity of their stories. Collaborative journalism can also help journalists fact-check and investigate complex or cross-border issues, by pooling data, sources, and skills. Some of the latest collaborative journalism techniques include using platforms such as ProPublica's Collaborate, DocumentCloud, or Global Investigative Journalism Network to share documents, data, and tips, forming networks or alliances with other media outlets or organizations, and engaging with audiences and communities to solicit feedback, input, or contributions.

3 Verification tools

Verification tools are applications or websites that help journalists verify the authenticity, accuracy, or origin of information, such as images, videos, audio, or text. Verification tools can help journalists fact-check and investigate claims, sources, or evidence, by using techniques such as reverse image search, geolocation, metadata analysis, or content analysis. Some of the latest verification tools include InVID, which helps journalists verify videos from social media, TinEye, which helps journalists find the source of images, or Botometer, which helps journalists detect bots or fake accounts on Twitter.

4 Open source intelligence

Open source intelligence (OSINT) is the practice of using publicly available information from sources such as social media, websites, databases, or satellite imagery to gather information, evidence, or insights. OSINT can help journalists fact-check and investigate stories that are hidden, censored, or underreported, by using techniques such as online research, digital forensics, or satellite analysis. Some of the latest OSINT techniques include using tools such as Bellingcat's Toolkit, which helps journalists find and analyze information from various sources, or Google Earth, which helps journalists explore and visualize geographic data.

5 Solutions journalism

Solutions journalism is the practice of reporting on responses to social problems, rather than just the problems themselves. Solutions journalism can help journalists produce more balanced, constructive, and engaging stories, by highlighting the effectiveness, challenges, and lessons of solutions, rather than the causes, consequences, and failures of problems. Solutions journalism can also help journalists fact-check and investigate the impact and sustainability of solutions, by using techniques such as evidence-based reporting, comparative analysis, or impact evaluation. Some of the latest solutions journalism techniques include using platforms such as Solutions Journalism Network, which helps journalists find and report on solutions, or Positive News, which helps journalists showcase positive stories.