Fact-checking in Venezuela. An analysis of fact-checking methodologies and public discourse on Cotejo.info and Espaja.com

Abstract

The following research is focused on the use of the fact-checking method in Venezuela, specifically on the digital platforms of Cotejo.info and EsPaja.com. This work was made using a mixed methodology: quantitative to identify and categorize the criteria of the fact-checking process in each platform and qualitative to describe the fact-checking method components. By going through a documentary review is determined the relevance of fact-checking in Venezuela and all the regions of the world, to counter the informational distortions with which we are struggling in the post-truth era. Later, the available data on the platforms about its methods allow us to identify the methodological similarities and distinctions between the two objects of study, adding the direct observation applied by following a checklist, these results are supported by semi-structured interviews with the EsPaja’s Manager and Cotejo.info’s editorial coordinator. Revealing that the mentioned platforms have a common explanatory methodology with other Ibero-American fact-checking enterprises, with the particular feature that these employ their exercise into an informational context characterized by censorship, the lack of public information, the hegemonic narrative, and the concealment of government information. This context drives these platforms to connect with NGOs and other international instances, who collect data about Venezuela. Other resources are the technological tools and open access for the fact-checking processes, which guarantees the labor’s quality, applying the International Fact-Checking Network’s principles.