Journalism professionals who verify and confirm the facts in newspaper and magazine articles are known as fact checkers. To work as a fact checker, you’ll need a keen eye for detail as well as some unique abilities. People can approach this career path and develop the skills required to work as a fact checker in a variety of ways.
Many fact checkers have journalism or communications degrees and may have worked as journalists before becoming fact checkers. It is necessary to have journalism skills and an understanding of how the journalism world works before one can become a fact checker. Fact checkers with journalistic experience will have valuable contacts they can call on when they need sources and lines of inquiry for factual information. It also aids a fact checker in establishing connections that can be useful when looking for work.
Fact checkers must also be well-versed in research. Anyone interested in becoming a fact checker can take courses in fact checking or information science, or they can learn the skills on their own while working as a journalist. Research skills take time to develop, and some fact checkers find that working with a mentor during their training is beneficial. There are also a number of guides available that provide basic information on being a fact checker, such as research tips and how to format fact-checking reports.
Some publications maintain a fact-checking staff, and this can be a good place to start if you want to work as a fact-checker. Working as part of a larger team, a new fact checker can begin with small tasks under supervision and progress to larger projects like fact checking articles. It is possible to work as a freelance fact checker once one has acquired the necessary skills and a resume. Freelancers may be able to charge more for their services, and they may be able to work with a wider range of materials and people, which can be fun.
The path to becoming a fact checker, like many other careers in journalism, can be difficult. It is a highly competitive field, and people may find it difficult to find work, particularly at the start. Aspiring fact checkers should remember to keep honing their skills and to set realistic goals that can be accomplished in stages. Every job should be viewed as a learning opportunity, and treating everyone as a potential source and connection pays off; courteous fact checkers are just as in demand as thorough and highly skilled fact checkers.