How to Fact Check The Atlantic
by Yvonne Rolzhausen
A fact-checker at The Atlantic walks readers through her process for fact-checking a passage from the feature story, “What ISIS Really Wants.”
If a Story is Viral, Truth May Be Taking a Beating
by Ravi Somaiya and Leslie Kaufman
Journalists at The New York Times dig into the problems that viral online stories pose for verification and fact-checking.
Shattered Glass
by Buzz Bissinger
A celebrated writer explores one of the most infamous modern cases of fabrication in journalism: Stephen Glass, who made up many of his best stories at The New Republic in the late 1990s — and even went so far as to create elaborate fake sources, including fake websites and people. (This magazine piece was made into a movie by the same name in 2003.)
Hello, My Name is Stephen Glass, and I’m Sorry
by Hanna Rosin
One of Stephen Glass’s former colleagues and friends revisits his fabrication scandal.
Der Spiegel Made Up Stories. How Can It Regain Readers’ Trust?
by Emily Schultheis
The German magazine Der Spiegel is well known for its large fact-checking team, but in 2019 one of its star journalists was exposed as having fabricated multiple stories. This article story digs into the scandal.
Daniel Radcliffe and the Art of the Fact-Check
by Michael Schulman
In preparation for his role in “The Lifespan of A Fact,” a Broadway show adapted from the 2012 book of the same name, Daniel Radcliffe learned how to fact-check at The New Yorker.
The Hidden Signs that can Reveal a Fake Photo
by Tiffanie Wen
Fake photos are rampant on the internet, and they especially circulate after big news events such as natural disasters. Learn tips on spotting the fakes with this article.
Checkpoints
by John McPhee
A classic read on fact-checking, which gives insight into not only the storied fact-check department at The New Yorker, but also the lengths a checker may go to confirm an anecdote — and how things can occasionally go wrong.
The Pocket Guide to Bullshit Prevention
by Michelle Nijhuis
Any journalist or editor would do well to remember these steps, which are conveniently listed in a pocket-shaped chart to tuck in your back pocket.