The five-day masterclass on “Fact-Checking: Countering Fake News in Modern Media for supporting Democracies” concluded on September 02, 2022. U.S Embassy partnered with Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) and Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) to organize the masterclass featuring workshops, presentations, and panel discussions on various aspects of fact-checking. More than 40 established and emerging media professionals from across Pakistan attended the masterclass.
William Makaneole, Consul General at the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, graced the closing ceremony. He congratulated the participants for successfully completing the program and urged them to improve the quality of journalism and public discourse in their local communities. “The role of journalists is crucial,” Mr. Makaneole said during the closing ceremony. “You inform the public. You connect people to larger issues and the world around them. Especially in a democracy, access to up-to-date and accurate information is key. Journalists hold leaders and organizations accountable. They provide a voice for people who otherwise would be unheard. Your work is vital for good governance and stable society,” he said.
Mr. Makaneole also noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the United States-Pakistan relationship, which he called a partnership based on shared interests, common goals, and an expanding trade and investment relationship between the countries. He lauded the critical role that PUAN plays in strengthening people-to-people ties between the United States and Pakistan and applauded Forman Christian College for its world-class expertise and innovative training that is a model for fortifying the media in Pakistan.
Rector FCCU Dr. Jonathan Addleton also graced the occasion and congratulated the participants for successfully completing the training. “FCCU is delighted to partner with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network for this important event, one that emphasizes fact-based approaches to journalism as a viable approach for countering fake news,” he said.
On the final day, Dr. Anam Muzammil, Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication, talked about the normative frames of social media dominant reality in her session. Mr. Shiraz Hasnat, Bureau Chief Hum News Lahore, led a workshop on Conventional Media Rating and Advertisements: A case of Fact-checking. Dr. Altaf Ullah Khan, Dean of Humanities FCCU, presented the concluding session and discussed suggestions and perspectives on fact-checking.
Follow the link to see pictures:
https://www.facebook.com/PakUSAlumni/photos/pcb.8230728623633822/8230700600303291/
