Journalism, 'Fake News' and Disinformation: A Handbook for Journalism Education and Training

Developments in the last few years have placed journalism under fire. A range of factors are transforming the communications landscape, raising questions about the quality, impact and credibility of journalism. At the same time, orchestrated campaigns are spreading untruths.

Written by experts in the fight against disinformation, this handbook explores the very nature of journalism with modules on why trust matters; thinking critically about how digital technology and social platforms are conduits of the information disorder; fighting back against disinformation and misinformation through media and information literacy; fact-checking; social media verification and combatting online abuse.

This model curriculum is an essential addition to teaching syllabi for all journalism educators, as well as practicing journalists and editors who are interested in information, how we share it and how we use it. It is mission critical that those who practice journalism understand and report on the new threats to trusted information.

To explore the history of the information disorder, the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) has published a learning module, A Short Guide to the History of 'Fake News' and Disinformation, which journalism educators may find as a helpful addition to the UNESCO handbook. Click here for more information.