ABC returning Fact Check with RMIT partnership

ABC is reviving its Fact Check service, killed off due to budget cuts in 2016, through a partnership with RMIT University.

To be based at RMIT’s new state-of-the-art Media Precinct, it will resume in March monitoring the accuracy of claims made by politicians, public figures, advocacy groups and institutions.

Branded as RMIT ABC Fact Check, it will research and publish Fact Checks, Fact Files and restart the Promise Tracker. Content will be published through the ABC’s Digital platforms and a dedicated RMIT portal.

It will be headed by Director Russell Skelton, who founded and ran the original ABC Fact Check. The ABC will retain final editorial control of, and responsibility for, all content published by the ABC. Content will be subject to all the ABC’s Editorial Policies and its normal complaints handling procedures.

RMIT will also appoint a Senior Editor and Fact Check Researchers, along with interns drawn from RMIT journalism students and alumni.

Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Professor Martyn Hook, said “This partnership with the ABC builds on RMIT’s reputation for producing journalism graduates with integrity, credibility and commitment to the highest standard and principles of media practice.

“In a time of ‘post-truth’, ‘alternative facts’ and ‘fake news’, it is ever more critical to hold public figures to account and ensure that public discourse – the basis of democracy – is based in fact.

ABC Director of News Gaven Morris said, “RMIT is thrilled to join with the ABC to relaunch Fact Check and support this crucial public service.

“ABC News is delighted to be able to work with the academic community, as well as other groups and institutions, in this way,” he said. “Sharing resources, and collaborating on analysis and original research, helps us better serve the broadest possible audience.

“Fact-check journalism is a great way of providing more of the essential context people need to help them fully understand the major stories and important issues of the day.”