OU Fact Checking Course Convocation Celebrates Urdu Journalists Equipped to Combat Disinformation

A momentous graduation ceremony marked the culmination of an intensive six-month Fact Checking Course for Urdu journalists, jointly organized by Osmania University and the US Consulate General Hyderabad. The convocation, held at the historic Salar Jung Museum, was a testament to the commitment to countering disinformation and promoting responsible journalism in the digital age.

Draped in an air of accomplishment, the event saw the participants proudly receiving their certificates from notable dignitaries, including Ms. Jennifer Larson, the US Consul General in Hyderabad, and Telangana Director General of Police, Mr. Anjani Kumar. The ceremony was graced by esteemed personalities such as Telangana Media Academy Chairman, Mr. Allam Narayan, former Member of the Press Council of India, M.A. Majid, and other prominent figures from the media and academia.

The intensive training course, spanning six months, aimed to empower Urdu journalists with the critical skill of fact-checking and equip them to combat the growing threat of disinformation. The curriculum, meticulously designed by renowned Fact Check trainer and senior journalist U Sudhakar Reddy, covered a diverse range of topics, including digital media literacy, forensic analysis of information, and the ethical responsibilities of journalists.

As the graduates proudly held aloft their certificates, the significance of their achievement was not lost on anyone present. The course had brought together leading journalists, law enforcement officials, digital media experts, forensic scientists, data journalists, and media veterans from across India to impart invaluable knowledge to the participants.

In her address, Consul General Jennifer Larson highlighted the pivotal role that journalists play in upholding democracy and the need for accurate and responsible reporting. “Democracy rests on a free and open press, and it is the duty of journalists to ensure the dissemination of correct information,” she remarked.

Director General of Police Anjani Kumar urged the journalists to be vigilant in countering the spread of fake news. He emphasized the potential societal harm that unverified information could cause and urged individuals to exercise caution before forwarding messages or videos.

The convocation was not just a celebration of completion, but also a call to action, said Prof Stevenson, Head of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Osmania University who pivoted the course, and the ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. M. A. Majid, veteran journalist and former Press Council of India member said “the trained journalists are now better equipped to navigate the complex landscape of disinformation and contribute to a healthier and more informed society. The collaborative effort between Osmania University and the US Consulate General Hyderabad sets a commendable example of addressing a critical issue through education and empowerment.”