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Coaching journalists through this crisis
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During this coronavirus pandemic when newsrooms are stretched to their limits, Poynter is helping them bring you the information you need. This week we launched On Poynt,
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a series of free, 30-minute Q&As with Poynter experts on topics that journalists need help with now. Our first session — “Newsroom Ethics in the Coronavirus Era,” led by Poynter senior vice president Kelly McBride — resulted in several key takeaways
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that will help journalists protect their sources and themselves, effectively communicate vital public health information and hold public officials accountable.
Answering your COVID-19 questions
Poynter’s PolitiFact wants to know what questions and concerns you have regarding truthful information in today’s media. Yesterday PolitiFact held a Reddit “Ask Me Anything”
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session where editor Angie Holan and misinformation reporter Daniel Funke answered numerous questions from citizens and journalists about covering the coronavirus infodemic and fact-checking politicians during the pandemic.
One Reddit user asked about fact-checking the government’s waffling guidance around wearing masks:
“I get that there are concerns about shortages but telling people that only medical professionals can safely wear masks is not only incorrect, it's downright harmful. It's like telling people not to wash their hands because only doctors know how to do it right.”
PolitiFact misinformation reporter Daniel Funke answered in detail, but here’s the short version:
“Research shows that surgical and homemade masks are effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19. But health officials haven't advised people to wear them because there is a national shortage, and health care workers need them more than anyone.”
You can read Daniel’s full fact-check here
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. And, you can subscribe to PolitiFact Daily
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for more insights from PolitiFact.
Giving you something we ALL need right now
I want to leave you with some good news regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Check out these 10 fact checks
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from our MediaWise teen fact-checkers on claims that deliver what we all need right now ... hope.
Please consider making a contribution towards our mission today
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so we can continue to keep you informed tomorrow. If you recently made a donation to Poynter ... thank you!
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