Research

The study “Functioning and viability of fact-checking alliances in Spain: the case of Comprobado”, published in Estudios sobre el Mensaje Periodístico in 2024 and carried out by Roger Cuartielles and Uxía Carral, collaborators of Learn to Check, analyzes how this collaborative initiative operated during the general elections of 2023, highlighting its challenges, benefits and impact in the fight against disinformation.

The announcement of electoral progress on 29 May 2023 precipitated the reactivation of Comprobado in record time. In just four days, the verification platforms agreed on the foundation of the alliance, establishing mechanisms to share and disseminate verifications to the media. On July 3, the initiative was officially launched with the participation of 21 media, including RTVE, Cadena SER, elDiario.es and La Vanguardia.

Unlike the 2019 edition, in which the media participated in fact-checking, on this occasion their role focused on the dissemination of previously prepared verifications. This was due to both the lack of funding and the need to ensure the maximum dissemination of verified information. Maldita.es took on the role of coordinator, managing the brand, preparing content and maintaining relations with the media.

To harmonise the criteria, a common verification scale based on the IBERIFIER classification was agreed, with categories such as “false”, “deceptive” or “without proof”. In addition, a shared repository was created where each platform could consult and republish verifications of other members.

The affiliated media were free to decide what denials they published and could modify the headlines with the approval of the original authors. Although there was no strict control over the publications, the verifiers estimate that the degree of dissemination was high. One of the great successes was the expansion of verification towards audiences less familiar with fact-checking, especially through regional media such as Castilla-La Mancha Media and El Periódico de Ceuta.

The reissue of Comprobado demonstrated the feasibility of fact-checking alliances as a tool for collaborative journalism. However, the study highlights some outstanding challenges, such as the need to better measure the impact of the initiative and to achieve sustainable financing to guarantee its continuity. Despite these challenges, the collaboration between verification platforms and the media is consolidated as an effective mechanism to combat disinformation in electoral times.

To read the full article and access the detailed results, check it here.