Two days National Workshop on “Fact-Checking and Media Literacy” begins at MERC, KU

Srinagar: March 06, 2024: A two days workshop on ‘Fact Checking and Media Literacy Training’ commenced at Media Education Research Centre (MERC), University of Kashmir. The Centre organized the workshop in collaboration with Logically Facts, a subsidiary of Logically, a UK based organization specializing in combating disinformation and data-driven journalism.
The workshop aims to equip journalism students with state-of-the-art skills required to navigate the complex world of information, focusing on fact-checking techniques and fostering media literacy.
The workshop inaugural was chaired by the Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Farooq Masoodi as Chief Guest. In his address, Prof Masoodi highlighted the significance of technology and the responsibility that comes with it. He said that with rapid technological advancement, people need to be aware about healthy media usage. He reiterated the importance of experiential-learning by conducting such workshops. On the occasion, the Chief Guest also released the annual journal “Media Times”, a departmental publication.
In her welcome address, the Head of the Centre Prof. Sabeha Mufti highlighted the achievements of the Centre. She also announced some ensuing programs which the centre has scheduled. Prof Mufti said that the faculty is striving to provide quality training to students and also aims to contribute by way of quality research. She also added that with the proliferation of misinformation and fake news, the importance of fact-checking and media literacy has become more critical.
The crucial topic of fact-checking took centre stage as Ms. Shreyashi Roy, Deputy Editor Logically Facts and Ms. Kritika Goel, Head of Logically Facts-India shed light on its significance. Delving into recent instances of disinformation and misinformation prevalent worldwide, their insights resonated with the attendees.
Prof. Syeda Afshana, the Coordinator of the workshop, reflected upon the urgency of looking into misinformation and disinformation. She said, “In today’s digital age, information is power but misinformation is turning absolutely powerful. It is posing an alarming threat especially for media students tasked with upholding truth. This workshop is timely since Fake News undermines democracy and societal harmony. We at MERC aim to cultivate skepticism and critical thinking, orient students with the tools to combat falsehoods and stand firm in their commitment to accuracy and impartiality”.
Dr Afsana Rashid, Co-coordinator, presented the vote of thanks. The proceedings were conducted by Dr Rashid Maqbool.
The workshop was attended by MERC faculty Prof Aaliya Ahmed, Prof Malik Zahra, Dr Irfan Hashim, Dr Adil Bakshi, besides scholars and students.