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

Background

The applicant has provided sufficient information about its status.

Assessment Conclusion

The applicant, Re:Check, fully complies with the IFCN code of principles.

on 07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago)

Martins Kaprans assesses application as Compliant

A short summary in native publishing language

Re:Check kā pieteikuma iesniedzējs pilnībā atbilst IFCN izvirzītajiem kritērijiem.

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
11-Dec-2020 (3 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:Baltoca with its 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
07-Jan-2021 (3 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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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 seven full-time journalists. Three of them, including the editor, work exclusively for Re:Check. All three are doing fact-checks, one of the journalists mainly in Russian.

3. Re:Baltica's 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 Russian-speaking audience. Currently Re:Check has a broadcast on Latvian Public Radio twice a month. The goal for the next year is to start monthly radio broadcast in Russian on Latvian Public Radio Russian language channel.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The provided information proves 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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

All aour fact-checks are published on our webpage. 

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

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


Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The applicant has consistently published fact-checks that makes 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
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Fact-checks published by the applicant have broad thematic coverage and they focus on different media formats. In the previous month, the applicant has regularly published fact-checks with respect to Covid-19 that, undoubtedly, is the most urgent issue. Fact-checking is commenced in a balanced way and professional way. Notably, the applicant has been very active in fact-checking claims that appear on the largest social networking sites, e. g. Twitter, Facebook.


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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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 2020 Re:Check received funding from three different sources. First, we won the tender and received funding from Latvian Society Integration Fund (governmental institution, state budget money) for fact-checking and publishing fact-check in form of written articles and short videos. Second, we received funding from the US Government's Global Engagement Center, and it is used for translating the articles from Latvian to Russian. Third, 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. 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
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The link provides sufficient information about the applicant's editorial policy.


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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

https://rebaltica.lv/2020/01/asv-sankcijas-un-svarcelsana-ka-scerbatihs-izplata-melus/

A famous former athlete told in a media outlet that the state authorities have cut the funding for sports facilities where athletes were training for the Olympics. The claim was false. The fact-check shows that we use the same standards of evidence when fact-checking politicians or celebrities.

https://rebaltica.lv/2020/07/vai-arstu-rezidentura-homeopatija-tiesam-pieejama-daudzviet-eiropa/

In preparation for the opening of an academic study program in homeopathy, a professor of Riga Stradins University (one of the main universities in Latvia training healthcare and social science professionals) said that similar programmes are offered by several other European Universities. We asked the named universities and found that was false or partly false. We did a fact-check, despite the fact that we often cooperate with Riga Stradins University, when fact-checking Covid-19 and other health related disinformation.

https://rebaltica.lv/2020/03/karins-maldina-par-oik-un-iespejamo-latvenergo-bankrotu/

https://rebaltica.lv/2020/03/oik-atcelsanas-sekas-ko-nokluse-nemiro/

The two fact-checks are on the same topic. The Prime Minister and the Minister of the Economy had a clash of opinions on the green energy production subsidies. We fact-checked the statements of both politicians and found both of them misleading.

https://rebaltica.lv/2020/04/covid-19-mugurkaula-kirurgs-gulbis-viedokli-pamato-ar-nepatiesiem-apgalvojumiem/

We fact-checked a very popular article on the new coronavirus written by well known surgeon and university lecturer. Several of his statements were partly false. We did our fact-check, despite the fact that his article was published by Delfi, the main news portal in Latvia. Therefore we were risking to damage our professional relationship with our colleagues working for Delfi.

https://rebaltica.lv/2020/08/ltv-debates-izvelies-nakotni-vai-kandidatu-teiktais-atbilst-patiesibai-2-dala/

https://rebaltica.lv/2020/08/ltv-debates-izvelies-nakotni-vai-kandidatu-teiktais-atbilst-patiesibai/

https://rebaltica.lv/2020/08/ko-par-rigu-saka-mera-amata-kandidati-1-dala/

https://rebaltica.lv/2020/08/ko-par-rigu-saka-mera-amata-kandidati/

https://rebaltica.lv/2020/08/vai-rigas-mera-amata-kandidati-runa-patiesibu-3-dala/

Riga City Council election took place on August, 2020. We fact-checked the candidate debates broadcasted by Latvian Public Television and interviews done by Latvian Public Radio morning program. We fact-checked misleading, partly false, false and missing context claims made by all the candidates who participated. That way we ensured that the candidates of all political parties were treated equally. The same standards and processes were followed in all pre-election fact-checks. 

Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The provided links demonstrate that the applicant consistently followed to 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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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 the 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
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The selected fact-checks published in 2020 fully comply with the IFCN criteria. 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.


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
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The applicant is not as an organization affiliated with nor declares or shows 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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The randomized sample of fact checks suggests that the applicant provides relevant links where the source is available online, in such a way that users can replicate their work.


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
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The applicant tend to use reliable primary sources 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
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Randomly selected sample of fact checks indicates that the applicant checks 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
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

A randomized sample of fact checks suggests that the applicant identifies the relevant interests of the 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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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 legal status: https://company.lursoft.lv/lv/nodibinajums-baltijas-petnieciskas-zurnalistikas-centrs-re:baltica/40008181867


Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The applicant is an independent organization that has a page on their website detailing each source of funding 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).


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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

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

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


Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The provided links detail funding and indicate the legal form of the applicant. The applicant demonstrates transparency 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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The provided links set 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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The provided link details the professional biography of all those who a significant part in its 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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The applicant provides easy means on its website and/or via social media for users to communicate with the 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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The applicant publishes on its website a statement about the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish its 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
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The randomly selected sample shows that 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.


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
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The randomly selected sample suggests that 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.


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
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The randomly selected sample shows that 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.


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.

Re:Baltica
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago


Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The randomly selected sample suggests that the applicant seeks to contact those who made the claim to seek supporting evidence. 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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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. We often fact-check claims sent in by our users. https://rebaltica.lv/2019/06/recheck/

Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check via webpage as well as via the applicant's accounts on Twitter and Facebook.


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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

https://rebaltica.lv/2019/06/recheck/

We have always corrected our mistakes and added the reference at the end of the article. In the future we plan to add the reference on correction also in the social media posts (FB, Twitter) after a mistake is corrected.

  

Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The applicant has a corrections or complaints policy that is easily visible and accessible on the organization’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
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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, and the fact that some complaints may justify no response.


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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

We have corrected factual mistakes in several cases, however we have not yet revised any conclusion because of that.

Example:

https://rebaltica.lv/2020/08/ltv-debates-izvelies-nakotni-vai-kandidatu-teiktais-atbilst-patiesibai-2-dala/

Before Riga City Council election we fact-checked the candidate debate broadcasted by Latvian Public Television. After publishing the fact-check we were told on social media that we have skipped a false claim of one of the candidates. We corrected the article immediately by adding the skipped claim.

https://rebaltica.lv/2019/12/vai-pasvaldibu-budzeti-tiesam-saruk/

We made mistake when fact-checking the claim on reduced local government funding (we wrote 5% tax reduction instead of actual 10%). We corrected the article accordingly. 

Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The provided examples show 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. The applicant is planning to improve the visibility of corrections.


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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

We state on our webpage that we are IFCN members and we provide a link to the IFCN complaints page. 

https://rebaltica.lv/2019/06/recheck/

 

Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The provided link clearly shows that the applicant 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.


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
11-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

https://rebaltica.lv/2019/06/recheck/

All Re:Baltica's employees adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Latvian Journalists Association, as well as Latvian media law. Whenever Re:Baltica recognises mistake in its reporting, it adds the correction at the end of the article, including the time stamp.

See as the examples:

https://rebaltica.lv/2019/03/saskanas-ziedotajam-nauda-no-laundromata-atbilzu-vieta-atminas-zudums/

https://rebaltica.lv/2015/11/putina-berni/

Martins Kaprans Assessor
07-Jan-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

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


done_all 6.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.