Tegna Shuts Down National Fact-Checking Unit, Verify, Amidst Rising Scrutiny and Debate Over Misinformation
WASHINGTON – In a move that has sparked debate about the future of fact-checking in media, Tegna Inc., a major U.S. broadcasting company, has abruptly shut down its national fact-checking operation, Verify. This decision, which resulted in the layoff of approximately 18 journalists, producers, researchers, and other staff, marks a significant shift in the company’s approach to combating misinformation and disinformation. Launched in 2015 at the local station level and later expanded nationally in 2021, Verify had aimed to provide audiences with objective analysis of news and information. However, Tegna’s recent statement indicates that these efforts will now be delegated back to individual local stations, raising questions about the overall impact and reach of their fact-checking endeavors moving forward.
The closure of Verify comes amidst a turbulent period for fact-checking initiatives, facing increasing criticism and scrutiny from various quarters. Notably, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr has been a vocal critic of such efforts, expressing concerns about potential bias and censorship. He has argued that the lines between disinformation and misinformation are often blurred and that such labels are frequently applied to political speech that individuals or organizations disagree with. Carr’s stance has added fuel to the ongoing debate about the role and responsibilities of fact-checkers in the media landscape.
The timing of Tegna’s decision coincides with an ongoing FCC investigation into complaints about alleged bias at three local stations, including one complaint focusing on real-time fact-checking during the 2020 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. While Tegna has not publicly commented on the reasons behind the shutdown, the backdrop of these investigations and Carr’s public statements suggests a complex interplay of factors influencing the company’s move.
Carr’s recent interview with NewsNation further highlighted his concerns. He indicated the possibility of the FCC examining fact-checking efforts as part of a wider initiative to combat what he terms the "censorship cartel." He criticized organizations like NewsGuard, which he accused of being at the forefront of this perceived censorship. These comments reflect a growing tension between those who champion fact-checking as a crucial tool against misinformation and those who view it with suspicion, seeing it as a potential tool for suppressing dissenting voices.
The shutdown of Verify also raises broader questions about the sustainability and future of fact-checking initiatives, particularly in the context of local news. With the responsibility now falling back to individual stations, concerns arise about resource allocation, consistency, and the potential for local pressures to influence fact-checking processes. The central question remains: will localized efforts be as effective and impactful as a centralized, dedicated national operation?
The debate sparked by Tegna’s decision underscores the challenges facing the media industry in navigating the complex landscape of misinformation. While fact-checking has become increasingly important in the digital age, it also finds itself entangled in political and ideological crosscurrents. As the FCC and other bodies grapple with these issues, the future of fact-checking in the media landscape remains uncertain, with potential implications for the public’s ability to access reliable and accurate information. The shutdown of Verify serves as a significant case study in the evolving relationship between media organizations, regulatory bodies, and the ongoing fight against misinformation. It raises crucial questions about the balance between combating false information and protecting freedom of speech, a balance that will continue to be debated and redefined in the years to come.