Some of Australia’s most experienced verification experts, fact checkers and senior journalists expressed to me this week how stressful one of our key training experiences was for them. I was concerned that it may have been an issue with the design of the online crisis simulation delivered on a bespoke digital platform. Perhaps we needed to change something?
‘No, not at all — it was just so life-like and realistic — exactly what we need to practice!’ came the chorus of feedback.
Participants play along in a simulated disinformation campaign which requires them to make decisions and react (or not) in real time. The ‘game’ includes numerous techniques used by agents of disinformation -— images and photos out of context, racist and derogatory narratives used in an attempt to manipulate journalists (in order to gain coverage and therefore ‘authenticity’ by being included in mainstream news), as well as posts that aim to instill fear into society. The reporters are also pressured in the game by their ‘managers’ to respond quickly.
The journalists in that simulation came from mainstream media outlets — everything from large metro organisations, to regional titles, independent outlets, and fact checking units. We also ran a second simulation which included groups and organisations that represent the diverse communities who are often targets of disinformation campaigns. It was fascinating to compare the difference between how the mainstream journalists worked in the simulation, with this second group. The latter were much more networked than the journalists — they supported each other and sought out information to share with different organisations.
So what does all this mean? First Draft’s APAC bureau is thrilled to have gathered over 110 journalists, professionals and volunteers from a diverse range of media and community groups into what we call our ‘CrossCheck Australia: election watch’ collaboration as we prepare for the looming federal election. As the advice from our earlier survey of journalists shows, we don't just say ‘OK, you’re trained off you go!’. We are an engine room continuing that support in our CrossCheck network via a dedicated Slack channel, where the First Draft APAC team gives daily updates about what we’re seeing. With journalists and community groups all in the same room, I’m hopeful this can bring a change in media coverage that empowers diverse groups. We’ve trained the participants to pre-empt problematic narratives. We’re working together to get ahead of that misinformation e-curve.
Anne Kruger - First Draft APAC Director