Ireland launches fund for fact-checking and anti-disinformation training
The new scheme supports goals outlined in Ireland’s National Counter Disinformation Strategy.
Ireland’s media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, has launched a funding call to support training in fact-checking, prebunking and debunking for journalists and media professionals during 2026.
The programme is aimed at graduate, early-career and mid-career professionals working in news and current affairs. Eligible activities include training courses, mentorship programmes, internships and collaborative projects designed to strengthen fact-checking and verification skills.
The fund forms part of the regulator’s Media Skills and Development Programme and supports objectives outlined in Ireland’s National Counter Disinformation Strategy. Applications are open to academic institutions, accredited bodies and representative organisations, including partnerships involving media organisations.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said the initiative would help strengthen professional skills and support high-quality journalism. Applications are open until 2 July 2026, with all funded activities to be delivered in Ireland during 2026.
Why does it matter?
Fact-checking, verification and disinformation response skills are becoming increasingly important as journalists navigate rapidly evolving information environments shaped by social media, generative AI and coordinated influence campaigns.
By investing in professional training, Ireland aims to strengthen media resilience, support evidence-based reporting and enhance the capacity of news organisations to identify and counter misleading or false information.
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