This chapter explores how South African community journalists identify, verify, and respond to disinformation in their reporting. Drawing on in-depth interviews with journalists from both community and mainstream media outlets, the study examines the challenges posed by disinformation and the strategies journalists employ to maintain professional integrity and public trust. While the primary focus is on community journalism, the inclusion of mainstream journalists allows for a comparative analysis, revealing both shared experiences and nuanced differences in how disinformation is navigated across media tiers. The findings highlight the pervasive nature of disinformation, its psychological and professional toll on journalists, and the evolving newsroom practices aimed at countering false narratives. Community journalists, often operating with limited resources, face unique vulnerabilities but also demonstrate resilience through local engagement and collaborative fact-checking efforts. The chapter underscores the importance of media literacy, technological adaptation, and institutional support in strengthening journalism’s role as a bulwark against disinformation. By prioritizing community perspectives, this study contributes to a more inclusive understanding of disinformation’s impact and the critical role of local journalism in safeguarding democratic discourse.

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Navigating Disinformation: How South African Community Journalists Identify, Verify, and Respond to False Information in their Reporting

  • Herman Wasserman,
  • Meli M. Ncube

摘要

This chapter explores how South African community journalists identify, verify, and respond to disinformation in their reporting. Drawing on in-depth interviews with journalists from both community and mainstream media outlets, the study examines the challenges posed by disinformation and the strategies journalists employ to maintain professional integrity and public trust. While the primary focus is on community journalism, the inclusion of mainstream journalists allows for a comparative analysis, revealing both shared experiences and nuanced differences in how disinformation is navigated across media tiers. The findings highlight the pervasive nature of disinformation, its psychological and professional toll on journalists, and the evolving newsroom practices aimed at countering false narratives. Community journalists, often operating with limited resources, face unique vulnerabilities but also demonstrate resilience through local engagement and collaborative fact-checking efforts. The chapter underscores the importance of media literacy, technological adaptation, and institutional support in strengthening journalism’s role as a bulwark against disinformation. By prioritizing community perspectives, this study contributes to a more inclusive understanding of disinformation’s impact and the critical role of local journalism in safeguarding democratic discourse.