Srinagar, Mar 06: The Media Education Research Centre (MERC) at the University of Kashmir has initiated a two-day workshop on ‘Fact-Checking and Media Literacy Training’ in collaboration with Logically Facts, a subsidiary of Logically, a UK-based organization specializing in combating disinformation and data-driven journalism.The workshop is designed to equip journalism students with advanced skills essential for navigating the complex landscape of information, focusing on fact-checking techniques and fostering media literacy.The inaugural session, chaired by the Dean of Academic Affairs, Prof. Farooq Masoodi, emphasized the significance of technology and the responsibility it carries. Prof. Masoodi stressed the need for awareness about healthy media usage and underscored the importance of experiential learning through such workshops.As part of the event, the Chief Guest released the annual journal “Media Times,” a departmental publication. The Head of the Centre, Prof. Sabeha Mufti, highlighted the Centre’s achievements and announced upcoming programs, emphasizing the commitment to providing quality training and contributing through research.Given the proliferation of misinformation and fake news, Prof. Mufti emphasized the critical importance of fact-checking and media literacy.Ms. Shreyashi Roy, Deputy Editor Logically Facts, and Ms. Kritika Goel, Head of Logically Facts-India, delved into the significance of fact-checking, sharing insights on recent instances of disinformation worldwide.Prof. Syeda Afshana, Coordinator of the workshop, stressed the urgency of addressing misinformation in today’s digital age. She stated, “Fake News undermines democracy and societal harmony. This workshop is timely, aiming to cultivate skepticism and critical thinking among students, providing them with tools to combat falsehoods.”Dr. Afsana Rashid, Co-coordinator, presented the vote of thanks, while the proceedings were conducted by Dr. Rashid Maqbool.The workshop witnessed active participation from MERC faculty, including Prof. Aaliya Ahmed, Prof. Malik Zahra, Dr. Irfan Hashim, and Dr. Adil Bakshi, along with scholars and students.
