The participants during a press release fact-checking and verification exercise
The BBC Media Action has concluded a five-day training on verification and fact-checking for provincial-based journalists in Solomon Islands.
A total of eight journalists and freelancers from Western and Malaita provinces including Honiara attended the training.
The training, which ended today, was facilitated by Island Sun Editor Irwin Angiki and SIBC Editor Fredrick Kusu.
Throughout the training, participants were equipped with practical skills in identifying and verifying information, including “find it, film it” techniques, filtering false content, and understanding what information can be fact-checked.
Sessions also covered open-source intelligence (OSINT) at both basic and advanced levels, along with hands-on exercises to strengthen verification skills.
Journalists were trained on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, including how to detect and handle AI-generated content, as well as methods for debunking deepfakes.
Additional sessions focused on disinformation, digital safety and wellbeing, and ensuring accuracy when working with press releases and data.
The programme also explored fact-checking in real-world contexts such as elections, motions of no-confidence, health outbreaks, natural disasters, and geopolitical issues.
Speaking during the certificate handover ceremony yesterday, British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Paul Turner said the training is crucial in combating fake news.
“What you have been doing over the past days in terms of fact-checking and verification is absolutely crucial.
One of the safeguards of true democracy is having a media that is inquisitive, questioning, and able to hold governments to account,” he said.
Mr Turner also took time to hear the experiences and challenges faced by provincial journalists in carrying out their roles.
Participant from Island Sun in Gizo, Ben Bilua, said the training has equipped him with skills to identify AI-generated content online that could be used to misinform the public, and to provide accurate information.
The training is the second of its kind, following the successful completion of the first workshop for Honiara-based journalists earlier this year.
It was facilitated by BBC Media Action in partnership with the Media Association of Solomon Islands.
The facilitators were trained under a BBC Media Action Training of Trainers programme held in Suva, Fiji earlier this year.
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