WEBINAR: Understanding and Handling Misinformation in the COVID-19 Context

Facilitated by: BBC Media Action and First Draft

When: July 2, 2020
What time: 2:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time
Where: ZOOM – Link to be shared
Language: English
How long: 90 minutes
Format: Panel discussion, Presentation and sharing of strategies and experiences
Who is it for: Colleagues from National, Regional and Global Humanitarian and Development organisations, Bloggers, Journalists and Civil Society Organisations involved in the COVID-19 response and working on countering or mitigating misinformation related to the coronavirus and COVID-19.

Facilitator: Genevieve Hutchinson, BBC Media Action

Presentations:  Victoria Kwan, Ethics and Standards Editor at First Draft
                           Radharani Mitra, Global Creative Advisor at BBC Media Action

Purpose: To share approaches and experiences for countering and mitigating rumours and mis- and dis-information related to the coronavirus and COVID-19. Through this webinar, participants will:

• Hear about some of the issues facing media and communication organisations in addressing mis/disinformation
• Understand some of the strategies being used to counter and mitigate mis- and disinformation

Background

Community World Service Asia and BBC Media Action are jointly hosting this webinar on Understanding and Handling Misinformation in the COVID-19 context.

Misinformation, rumours and disinformation about health are not new. But the rise of digital and social media has enabled the spread of misinformation at a speed and scale not seen before, causing what has been referred to as an “infodemic”. Misinformation about the coronavirus, COVID-19 and the pandemic in all its forms has at best created confusion, and at worst led to fear, extreme anxiety, stigma, discrimination and people taking actions that have caused themselves or others harm, and in a few cases, death. We are aware of these stories as they make headlines, but how can organisations help to challenge the spread of misinformation in a way that cuts through rather than adds to the mass of information out there, help people to engage with and trust the facts, and builds audiences’ skills so that they can identify factual accuracy for themselves and engage with information that is helpful and supportive.

This webinar will share some of the experiences and strategies being used by First Draft and BBC Media Action countering and mitigating rumour, mis- and disinformation in the context of COVIVD-19.

A specific focus will be laid on:

• An overview of the rumour, mis- and disinformation challenges faced so far during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Examples of strategies for understanding and handling rumour, mis- and disinformation

This 90-minute webinar will also give participants an opportunity to share existing best practices and ask practical questions about CVA key debates and policies, practices, common standards and other issues.

Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is a humanitarian and development organization, registered in Pakistan, head-quartered in Karachi and implementing initiatives throughout Asia. CWSA is member of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) Alliance, a member of Sphere and their regional partner in Asia and also manages the ADRRN Quality & Accountability Hub in Asia.

BBC Media Action is the BBC’s international charity. In a world where media can be divisive and untrustworthy, BBC Media Action believes in the power of media and communication to do good. Their work reaches millions of people facing insecurity, inequality and poverty with information they can trust. BBC Media Action supports the independent media essential to democracy and development. And they inform, connect and inspire change in their audiences, providing trusted information, stories and ideas that generate debate and discussion and bridge divides.

First Draft is a training and research organisation that provides newsrooms, academics and other information providers with tools and strategies for tackling the challenges posed in an age of disinformation. With headquarters in London and bureau in New York and Sydney, its mission is to empower societies around the world with accurate information in critical moments.

Applicants will be informed by June 29^th 2020 about their confirmation status. Up to 200 participants will be accommodated on a first come first serve basis. We would appreciate anyone willing to share some best practices on Handling Misinformation in the COVID-19 content. Those interested may indicate in the registration form and up to 4 participants will be selected to share their experiences.

If you wish to participate, kindly register here: