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Butte College's Editorially Independent Student Voice

THE ROADRUNNER

THE ROADRUNNER
Butte College's Editorially Independent Student Voice

THE ROADRUNNER

A newspaper by students, for students.

Fact-Checking Exercise

Objective: Learn to verify and fact-check community stories while maintaining respectful relationships with contributors.

  • Receive a submitted story from a community member.
    • Read and document the received community story
    • Note the contributor’s name and submission date
  • Identify key facts, dates, and claims within the story.
    • Highlight key facts, dates, people, and locations
    • Create a list of specific claims requiring verification
    • Note ambiguous or unclear information needing clarification
  • Conduct research using primary and secondary sources to verify information.
    • Search authoritative databases and primary sources
    • Cross-reference facts with multiple reliable sources
    • Document all sources used and findings
  • Prepare a fact-checking report, noting confirmed facts, unclear/unverifiable claims, sources consulted and any discrepancies found.
  • Suggest respectful ways to address any inaccuracies with the story contributor.
    • Prepare specific evidence to support corrections
    • Draft talking points that maintain positive community relations