April 03, 2025
VRT's commitment to fact-checking and combatting disinformation
Research shows that eight out of ten Flemings are concerned about disinformation. And that is understandable. In a world of deep fakes, image manipulation, and fake news, we seek our way to reliable information. Whether it's through the VRT NWS app, the news broadcast, or the newspaper on the table: viewers of all ages can rely on VRT. Because it feels familiar, because it reassures, and because it – in its own words – provides information that is honest, fast, and clear.
VRT's approach involves not only internal measures but also external partnerships to strengthen the media ecosystem in Flanders and abroad. As part a broader strategy to combat disinformation, VRT collaborates to exchange knowledge and deliver fact-checks in a wide range of formats on different channels. By working together with other media organisations, VRT seeks to enhance the creative sector and provide a robust platform for trustworthy journalism.
VRT has its own fact-checking team, which works with various technologies to check news items. By staying ahead of the curve in terms of digital advancements, VRT ensures that its fact-checking processes are efficient and effective. The team is on standby day in and day out to check and double-check all news items. Because accurate news doesn't come by itself. It requires time, people, expertise, and collaboration. Trust only arises when you know that someone has done the work for you and has checked everything, absolutely everything.
Additionally, the public broadcaster is also a member of numerous institutions and commits to adhering to the codes of conduct of those organizations. Think of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) and the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN).
Furthermore, VRT collaborates with deCheckers, a non-profit organization that compiles fact-checks from, among others, VRT NWS, Knack, and Factcheck. This collaborative effort is crucial in the fight against disinformation, as it leverages collective expertise and resources to uphold the integrity of information disseminated to the public. Finally, VRT is also a partner in BENEDMO , part of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), which focuses on combating misinformation in Dutch-speaking regions. This project aims to enhance media literacy among the public and professionals, offering recommendations to bolster resilience against disinformation.
