The IFCN welcomes new applications to its Code of Principles beginning Jan. 16, 2024. Our website is currently under renovation, so new signatories should begin the application process by emailing their interest to info@ifcn.org with "New Signatory" in the subject line.

Re:Baltica

Organization: Re:Baltica
Applicant: Evita
Assessor: Martins Kaprans
Assessor: Martins Kaprans

Background

Re:Check is a branch of Re:Baltica,  a non-profit organization that produces investigative journalism across the Baltic states. Re:Check reaches a broad and diverse audience and its fact-checks are often noticed by general public.

Assessment Conclusion

Re:Check has demonstrated adherence to the best practices of fact-checking. The applicant is a prominent fact-checker in Latvia whose content resonates in Latvian public sphere. It should be also noted that Re:Check sets a good example how fact-checks should be communicated via social networking sites. Overall, the applicant fully complies with IFCN guidelines.

on 12-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

Martins Kaprans assesses application as Compliant

A short summary in native publishing language

Pieteikuma iesniedzēja līdzšinējā darbība pilnībā atbilst IFCN vadlīnijām.

Section 1: Eligibility to be a signatory

To be eligible to be a signatory, applicants must meet these six criteria

  • 1.1 The applicant is a legally registered organization, or a distinct team or unit within a legally registered organization, and details of this are easily found on its website.
  • 1.2 The team, unit or organization is set up exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking.
  • 1.3 The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application. For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track. Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.
  • 1.4 On average, at least 75% of the applicant’s fact checks focus on claims related to issues that, in the view of the IFCN, relate to or could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals, the general public or society.
  • 1.5 The applicant’s editorial output is not, in the view of the IFCN, controlled by the state, a political party or politician.
  • 1.6 If the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, it provides a statement on its site setting out to the satisfaction of the IFCN, how it ensures its funders do not influence the findings of its reports.

Criteria 1.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain where on your website you set out information about your organization’s legal status and how this complies with criteria. Attach a link to the relevant page of your website.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The Baltic Center for Investigative Journalism Re:Baltica is a non-profit organization (foundation) that produces investigative journalism in the public interest. Re:Check is an independent unit of Re:Baltica with it's own mission, tasks, team and website section. All the information about your organization’s legal status is published on the website: https://rebaltica.lv/par-mums/

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

The applicant has provided sufficient information about its status.


done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

The applicant has provided sufficient information about its status.


done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please answer the following questions – (see notes in Guidelines for Application on how to answer)

 1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?
 2. How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?
 3. What different activities does your organization carry out?
 4. What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

1. Re:Baltica established it's fact-checking unit Re:Check in July 2019 and was the first media outlet in Latvia fact-checking false claims on regular basis. We saw the need to fight back misinformation on social media, to hold opinion leaders accountable by fact-checking their statements and we had the necessary resources.

2. Re:Baltica employs six full-time journalists. Three of them, including the editor, work exclusively for Re:Check. All three are doing fact-checks.

3. Re:Baltica's other activities include teaching media literacy to journalists and other essential groups for combating disinformation in Latvia and organising conferences to share the best investigative journalism practices on a regional level.

4. We are determined to continue the regular fact-checking work and to reach out to wider audience on internet and social media. The goal for the 2022 is to restart regular video explainers and to develop our Instagram account for reaching younger people. 

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

The provided information shows that the applicant meets the IFCN criteria.


done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

The provided information shows that the applicant meets the IFCN criteria.


done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.3
Proof you meet criteria
- The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application.
- For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track.
- Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

All our fact-checks are published on our webpage.

Latvian: https://rebaltica.lv/recheck/

Russian: https://ru.rebaltica.lv/1014-2

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

The applicant has consistently published fact-checks that make more than one fact check a week.


done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

The applicant has consistently published fact-checks that make more than one fact check a week.


done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous three months. No additional information required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

Fact checks published by the applicant have broad thematic coverage. Fact-checking is commenced in a balanced way.


done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

Fact checks published by the applicant have broad thematic coverage. Fact-checking is commenced in a balanced way.


done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain any commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship your organization has to the state, politicians or political parties in the country or countries you cover. Also explain funding or support received from foreign as well as local state or political actors over the previous financial year.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Re:Baltica is fully independent NGO with no ties to the state or politicians. Our (Re:Check) activities are financed from the funds raised by Re: Baltica. In 2021 Re:Check received funding from two different sources. We are the partners of Facebook's third-party independent fact-checking program and we are paid by Facebook for fact-checking disinformation oh the platform. We also received funding from The Embassy of Germany in Latvia to cover to support fact-checking in Russian during part of the year. All funders or donors fully respect the editorial independence of our work. Re:Baltica does not accept donations of a political nature, as well as donations from people whose reputation seems questionable to the editorial board.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

The applicant's status fully complies with the understanding of non-partisan organization. Its activity demonstrates an independent editorial policy in producing content, including fact checks.


done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

The applicant's status fully complies with the understanding of non-partisan organization. Its activity demonstrates an independent editorial policy in producing content, including fact checks.


done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.6
Proof you meet criteria
If you confirmed the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, provide a link to where on your website you set out how you ensure the editorial independence of your work.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

The applicant does not receive funding from local or foreign state or political sources


done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

The applicant does not receive funding from local or foreign state or political sources


done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 2: A commitment to Non-partisanship and Fairness

To be compliant on nonpartisanship and fairness, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 2.1 The applicant fact-checks using the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim.
  • 2.2 The applicant does not unduly concentrate its fact-checking on any one side, considers the reach and importance of claims it selects to check and publishes a short statement on its website to set out how it selects claims to check.
  • 2.3 The applicant discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided. It also discloses in its fact checks any commercial or other such relationships it has that a member of the public might reasonably conclude could influence the findings of the fact check.
  • 2.4 The applicant is not as an organization affiliated with nor declares or shows support for any party, any politician or political candidate, nor does it advocate for or against any policy positions on any issues save for transparency and accuracy in public debate.
  • 2.5 The applicant sets out its policy on non-partisanship for staff on its site. Save for the issues of accuracy and transparency, the applicant’s staff do not get involved in advocacy or publicise their views on policy issues the organization might fact check in such a way as might lead a reasonable member of the public to see the organization’s work as biased.

Criteria 2.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please share links to 10 fact checks published over the past year that you believe demonstrate your non-partisanship.
Please briefly explain how the fact checks selected show that (I) you use the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims, (II) follow the same essential process for every fact check and (III) let the evidence dictate your conclusions.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

https://rebaltica.lv/2022/02/vai-pavlutam-taisniba-par-gimenes-arstu-motivesanu-vakcinet/

https://rebaltica.lv/2021/12/vienu-dienu-10-eiro-par-udeli-nakamaja-jau-simtus-kapec-zm-mainija-nostaju-par-kompensaciju-apmeru/

https://rebaltica.lv/2021/06/linkaitam-nav-taisniba-latvija-neizcelas-ar-testu-prasisanu-ari-berniem/

https://rebaltica.lv/2021/04/girgens-maldina-par-videonoverosanu-nav-liecibu-ka-kaiminvalstis-rikojas-citadi/

https://rebaltica.lv/2021/04/karins-maldina-vispirms-jaunos-un-aktivos-nav-izplatita-vakcinacijas-strategija/

https://rebaltica.lv/2021/06/valdiba-strada-klatiene-saeima-vel-doma/

https://rebaltica.lv/2021/06/dabiska-noturiba-pret-covid-19-nav-pieradama-un-ar-onkologisku-saslimsanu-var-vakcineties/

We have repeatedly and consistently fact-checked claims made by the politicians of all political parties elected in the parliament, including claims of the prime minister and other government ministers. We have been fair and independent in our decisions when choosing who's claims to fact-check and we use the same high standards of evidence. We have not been influenced by our personal political sympathies or by other subjective considerations.

https://rebaltica.lv/2021/06/reirs-atkal-maldina-par-bezdarbu-tas-nav-mazaks-ka-tad-kad-sakas-pandemija/

https://rebaltica.lv/2021/04/reirs-maldina-par-bezdarba-pieaugumu-tas-ir-lielaks-neka-saka-ministrs/

We have published fact-checks on the same claim made repeatedly by the same politicians keeping them accountable and not allowing false statements to be repeated without consequences.

https://rebaltica.lv/2022/02/vai-skoleniem-dotie-pastesti-vacija-atziti-par-nederigiem/

We have fact-checked a claim made by one of the most popular political journalists in Latvia and by public broadcasting news program risking to damage our professional relationships with our colleagues.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided links demonstrate that the applicant has consistently followed the rules of non-partisanship.


done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided links demonstrate that the applicant has consistently followed the rules of non-partisanship.


done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 2.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you explain how you select claims to check, explaining how you ensure you do not unduly concentrate your fact-checking on any one side, and how you consider the reach and importance of the claims you select to check.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided information explain how the applicant ensures a balanced approach to fact-checking and how they consider the reach and importance of claims.


done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided information explain how the applicant ensures a balanced approach to fact-checking and how they consider the reach and importance of claims.


done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 2.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The selected fact checks published in 2021 fully comply with the IFCN criteria. The applicant discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes.


done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The selected fact checks published in 2021 fully comply with the IFCN criteria. The applicant discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes.


done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 2.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant is neither affiliated with nor demonstrates support for any party, any politician or political candidate.


done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant is neither affiliated with nor demonstrates support for any party, any politician or political candidate.


done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 2.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you publish a statement setting out your policy on non-partisanship for staff and how it ensures the organization meets this criteria.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has provided a link where its policy on non-partisanship is clearly explained.


done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has provided a link where its policy on non-partisanship is clearly explained.


done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 3: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Sources

To be compliant on sources, applicants must meet these four criteria

  • 3.1 The applicant identifies the source of all significant evidence used in their fact checks, providing relevant links where the source is available online, in such a way that users can replicate their work if they wish. In cases where identifying the source would compromise the source’s personal security, the applicant provides as much detail as compatible with the source’s safety.
  • 3.2 The applicant uses the best available primary, not secondary, sources of evidence wherever suitable primary sources are available. Where suitable primary sources are not available, the applicant explains the use of a secondary source.
  • 3.3 The applicant checks all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence save where the one source is the only source relevant on the topic.
  • 3.4 The applicant identifies in its fact checks the relevant interests of the sources it uses where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.

Criteria 3.1
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomized sample of fact checks suggests that the applicant provides relevant links where the source is available online thereby ensuring that users can replicate their fact-checking operations.


done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomized sample of fact checks suggests that the applicant provides relevant links where the source is available online thereby ensuring that users can replicate their fact-checking operations.


done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 3.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomized sample demonstrates that the applicant tends to use reliable primary and secondary sources.


done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomized sample demonstrates that the applicant tends to use reliable primary and secondary sources.


done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 3.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Randomly selected sample of fact checks indicates that the applicant controls all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence.


done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Randomly selected sample of fact checks indicates that the applicant controls all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence.


done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 3.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

A randomized sample of fact checks suggests that the applicant identifies the relevant interests of sources it uses where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.


done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

A randomized sample of fact checks suggests that the applicant identifies the relevant interests of sources it uses where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.


done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 4: A commitment to Transparency of Funding & Organization

To be compliant on funding and organization, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 4.1 Applicants that are independent organizations have a page on their website detailing each source of funding accounting for 5% or more of total revenue for its previous financial year. This page also sets out the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
  • 4.2 Applicants that are the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization make a statement on ownership.
  • 4.3 A statement on the applicant’s website sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
  • 4.4 A page on the applicant’s website details the professional biography of all those who, according to the organizational structure and play a significant part in its editorial output.
  • 4.5 The applicant provides easy means on its website and/or via social media for users to communicate with the editorial team.

Criteria 4.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please confirm whether you are an ‘independent organization’
or ‘the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization’ and share proof of this organizational status.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Re:Check is the fact-checking section of Re:Baltica, non-profit organisation (foundation). Please see the information from the State Register on Re:Baltica's legal status: 
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has provided sufficient information about its budget for the previous financial year.


done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has provided sufficient information about its budget for the previous financial year.


done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 4.2
Proof you meet criteria
If your organization is an “independent organization”, please share a link to the page on your website where you detail your funding and indicate the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
If your organization is “the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization”, please share a link to the statement on your website about your ownership.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Information on the legal status: https://rebaltica.lv/par-mums/

Information on funding: https://rebaltica.lv/2019/06/recheck/

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant adheres to transparency rules as regards its ownership.


done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant adheres to transparency rules as regards its ownership.


done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 4.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out your organizational structure, making clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided link sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.


done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided link sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.


done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 4.4
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out the professional biographies of those who play a significant part in your organization’s editorial output.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided link details the professional biography of all those who are involved in producing the editorial output.


done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided link details the professional biography of all those who are involved in producing the editorial output.


done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 4.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you encourage users to communicate with your editorial team.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant provides users with convenient means to communicate with the "Re:Check" editorial team.


done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant provides users with convenient means to communicate with the "Re:Check" editorial team.


done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 5: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Methodology

To be compliant on methodology, applicants must meet these six criteria

  • 5.1 The applicant publishes on its website a statement about the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish its fact checks.
  • 5.2 The applicant selects claims to check based primarily on the reach and importance of the claims, and where possible explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.
  • 5.3 The applicant sets out in its fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.
  • 5.4 The applicant in its fact checks assesses the merits of the evidence found using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.
  • 5.5 The applicant seeks where possible to contact those who made the claim to seek supporting evidence, noting that (I) this is often not possible with online claims, (II) if the person who makes the claim fails to reply in a timely way this should not impede the fact check, (III) if a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker should be free to continue with checking the original claim, (IV) fact-checkers may not wish to contact the person who made the claim for safety or other legitimate reasons.
  • 5.6 The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable.

Criteria 5.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to the statement on your website that explains the methodology you use to select, research, write and publish your fact checks.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has published a statement on its website about the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish fact checks.


done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has published a statement on its website about the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish fact checks.


done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected sample shows that the applicant selects claims taking into account their reach and importance, and where possible explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.


done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected sample shows that the applicant selects claims taking into account their reach and importance, and where possible explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.


done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected sample suggests that the applicant sets out relevant evidence in its fact checks that support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.


done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected sample suggests that the applicant sets out relevant evidence in its fact checks that support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.


done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected sample shows that the applicant assesses the merits of the evidence by using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.


done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected sample shows that the applicant assesses the merits of the evidence by using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.


done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.5
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected sample suggests that the applicant seeks to contact those who made the claim. If the person who makes the claim fails to reply this does not impede the fact check. If a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker continues checking the original claim.


done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected sample suggests that the applicant seeks to contact those who made the claim. If the person who makes the claim fails to reply this does not impede the fact check. If a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker continues checking the original claim.


done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.6
Proof you meet criteria
Please describe how you encourage users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable. Include links where appropriate. If you do not allow this, explain why.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We ask and encourage users to send in claims to check. The claims are regularly sent in both by e-mail and via our social media accounts, mainly FB Messenger. We often fact-check claims sent in by our users. https://rebaltica.lv/2019/06/recheck/

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant encourages users to send in claims for fact-checking via its webpage or Facebook site.


done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant encourages users to send in claims for fact-checking via its webpage or Facebook site.


done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 6: A commitment to an Open & Honest Corrections Policy

To be compliant on corrections policy, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 6.1 The applicant has a corrections or complaints policy that is easily visible and accessible on the organization’s website or frequently referenced in broadcasts.
  • 6.2 The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled, and the fact that some complaints may justify no response. This policy is adhered to scrupulously.
  • 6.3 Where credible evidence is provided that the applicant has made a mistake worthy of correction, the applicant makes a correction openly and transparently, seeking as far as possible to ensure that users of the original see the correction and the corrected version.
  • 6.4 The applicant, if an existing signatory, should either on its corrections/complaints page or on the page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory inform users that if they believe the signatory is violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN, with a link to the IFCN site.
  • 6.5 If the applicant is the fact-checking unit of a media company, it is a requirement of signatory status that the parent media company has and adheres to an open and honest corrections policy.

Criteria 6.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to where you publish on your website your corrections or complaints policy. If you are primarily a broadcaster, please provide evidence you frequently reference your corrections policy in broadcasts.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has a coherent corrections and complaints policy. This policy and the code of conduct is available on the applicant's website.


done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has a coherent corrections and complaints policy. This policy and the code of conduct is available on the applicant's website.


done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant's webpage sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled.


done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant's webpage sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled.


done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 6.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a short statement about how the policy was adhered to over the previous year (or six months if this is the first application) including evidence of two examples of the responses provided by the applicant to a correction request over the previous year. Where no correction request has been made in the previous year, you must state this in your application, which will be publicly available in the assessment if your application is successful.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

1. The following article is not exactly the example of correction. The person who's claims we fact-checked asked to add his detailed opinion a week after the fact-check was published. We did it although his explanation of the primary claim was already included in the original fact-check. We also published on our FB page the note that the his detailed opinion has been added.

https://rebaltica.lv/2022/01/vai-lddk-parstavim-taisniba-par-apkures-tarifiem/

2. There has been request to recall the information published in our article however we did not consider the request justified. Therefore no correction was published. The request was also examined by the Latvia Media Ethic's council and the council did not request to correct it. 

https://rebaltica.lv/2021/11/deputatu-kvotas-kapec-attistibai-par-deputatu-darbi-nesaskan-ar-vardiem/

https://lvportals.lv/wwwraksti/PR/FAILI/REBALTICA_NEPRECIZA_INFORMACIJA.PDF

We have not received other correction requests over the previous year.  


Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided examples show that the applicant adheres to correction standards and best practices.


done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided examples show that the applicant adheres to correction standards and best practices.


done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 6.4
Proof you meet criteria
If you are an existing signatory, please provide a link to show where on your site you inform users that if they believe you are violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN of this, with a link to the complaints page on the IFCN site.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant provides a link to the IFCN complaints page.


done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant provides a link to the IFCN complaints page.


done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 6.5
Proof you meet criteria
If you are the fact-checking unit of a media company, please provide a link to the parent media company’s honest and open corrections policy and provide evidence that it adheres to this.

Re:Baltica
14-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has provided sufficient information that that the parent media company adheres to an open and honest corrections policy.


done_all 6.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
11-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has provided sufficient information that that the parent media company adheres to an open and honest corrections policy.


done_all 6.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.