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“THE GEOPOST” METHODOLOGY OF WORK

We follow a detailed methodology that conforms to the Code of Principles. The methodology is outlined below:

Selection of Claims

Claims are received from multiple sources, such as our fact-checking of Russian narratives about the Balkans, media outlets, and social media accounts. These claims may include viral social media messages in the areas of politics, policy, data, government schemes, major events, and statements made by public officials.

Every morning, the fact-checking team holds a detailed discussion on these claims before making a selection. The selection process considers multiple factors, including:

Only fact-checkable claims are selected—those that contain a definitive statement rather than a vague assertion. We also ensure that there is no political or other bias in the selection process, giving equal importance to claims made by leaders of different political parties.

Verification of the Claim

A thorough verification process is conducted to determine whether the claim was actually made and in what context. Sources for verification include:

The original source of the claim is always hyperlinked in the fact-checking report. If the team is unable to confirm that the claim was actually made, they reach out to the person or entity responsible for it.

Research & Fact-Checking

Once a claim is established, research is conducted using reliable sources, primarily:

Relevant data and information are presented in tables, charts, and other formats to support the fact-check. For data-related fact-checks, the analysis extends beyond just verifying the claim—it also examines historical data and policy changes over time. Official sources are hyperlinked in the fact-checking report to ensure transparency.

For viral social media claims, all sources used in the fact-check are hyperlinked so that users can independently verify the information. If a news website is used as a source, at least one additional news source is consulted to corroborate the findings.

Methodology of the Balkan Geopolitics Platform for Combating Media Disinformation

The Balkan Geopolitics platform aims to combat media disinformation, particularly the growing trend of spreading inaccurate information disguised as facts, publishing false and unverified news, and promoting various disinformation narratives, including Russian narratives in the Balkans.

This methodology outlines the fundamental principles guiding the platform’s work, including:

  1. Selection of Media Outlets for Monitoring & Sources
  2. Selection of Media

Media outlets monitored for this platform are selected based on two criteria:

  1. Their readership in Kosovo, Serbia, and the Balkan region
  2. The publication and promotion of articles and topics that raise ethical and professional concerns

According to the first criterion, all media outlets with significant readership based on available data will be monitored.
According to the second criterion, media outlets that meet any of the following characteristics will also be monitored:

During research on specific topics, the editorial team at Raskrinkavanje may adjust the list of monitored media outlets based on the criteria above.

In addition to media outlets, social media profiles may also be monitored if their posts become, or attempt to become, sources of false news or disinformation that could spread to the public.

  1. Selection of Claims and Articles for Evaluation

Raskrinkavanje selects claims for analysis and evaluation through the following methods:

  1. Reader Requests: If readers request fact-checking of specific media articles or social media posts. If the claim contains false information, Raskrinkavanje will evaluate it and publish an analysis.
  2. Virality and Popularity: If media articles or social media posts become widely shared or involve significant current events. Claims with high public interest but potential misinformation may be analyzed.
  3. Monitoring of Selected Media: If media outlets (as described in the “Selection of Media” section) publish potentially false information, they may be analyzed.

Raskrinkavanje ensures an impartial, objective, and professional approach to all claims, regardless of their source.

  1. Sources for Analysis

Evaluations on Raskrinkavanje are based on verifying media claims and determining factual accuracy using credible sources and methods. Every fact-checking analysis will include clearly stated sources with hyperlinks.

Key sources include:

  1. Quality Control

Raskrinkavanje decides which claims to evaluate based on public interest (i.e., relevance, timeliness, and reader demand). Every topic must be approved by the editorial board, and at least one editor must review the analysis before publication. The editorial board bears full responsibility for the final version of the published content.

  1. Structure of Fact-Checking Analyses

Fact-checking analyses provide an independent review of various media content. Each analysis includes:

A single fact-checking analysis may address multiple articles if they cover the same topic and reference each other.

Each original article analyzed is permanently stored on the Raskrinkavanje website, including:

Fact-Checking Criteria & Evaluation Process

  1. Selection of Claims for Evaluation
    Claims are selected based on their presentation as facts. The fact-checking process aims to determine their accuracy while adhering to journalistic standards for truthful reporting.

Exceptions include statements cited or paraphrased by third parties, which are evaluated in specific cases:

  1. Verification of the Claim
    The verification process involves applying methodological criteria to assess the claim’s accuracy. Depending on the nature of the claim, the evaluation may focus on:

If necessary, the analysis may be updated with new information, clearly indicating when and why modifications were made.