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.

FakeNews Tragač

Organization: FakeNews Tragač
Applicant: Stefan Janjić
Assessor: Ivana Jeremic

Background

FakeNews Tragač is a legally registered media outlet in Serbia's Business Registry in 2018. It is founded by Novi Sad's School of Journalism Association.

Assessment Conclusion

They made the necessary amends and I believe that FakeNews Tragač is now ready to become IFCN's signatory.

on 06-Oct-2022 (1 year ago)

Ivana Jeremic assesses application as Compliant

A short summary in native publishing language

Napravili su neophodne izmene i verujem da je FakeNevs Tragač sada spreman da postane potpisnik IFCN-ovog koda etike.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

FakeNews Tragač is launched and owned by the nonprofit Novi Sad School of Journalism.

Novi Sad School of Journalism is a legally registered organization (Serbian Business Registers Agency), number 08672024, since 1998.

FakeNews Tragač is a legally registered media outlet (Serbian Business Registers Agency), number IN000705, since 2018.

Information is provided here: https://fakenews.rs/o-nama/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago)

FakeNews Tragač is a legally registered media outlet in Serbia's Business Registry in 2018. It is founded by Novi Sad's School of Journalism Association. Information about its legal status is visible on its website on the "About us" page.


done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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?

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

1. Our fact-checking operation was started in December 2017.

2. Eight people work for the FakeNews Tragač. Roles: 1 editor-in-chief, 1 deputy editor, 5 journalists (fact-checkers), 1 consultant for scientific and statistical issues.

3. Novi Sad School of Journalism deals with promoting media literacy (education of educators, students and journalists) and media research.

4. Over the coming year, FakeNews Tragač will continue with daily fact-checking analysis of print and electronic media in the Serbian language. We are planning large-scale thematic research concerning disinformation regarding vulnerable groups and Serbia's foreign policy. We are also planning to create an online handbook to combat disinformation, as well as to strengthen our presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

FakeNews Tragač was set up in 2017, even before its official registration,  for the purposes of fact-checking exclusively. Currently, they employ five journalists, two editors and a data consultant. 


done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

We have published 58 fact-checking anylsis since March 8, which is 2,14 analysis per week. Please find the list attached.

All fact-checks are available here: https://fakenews.rs/category/fake-news/


The list does not include:

1) Short analysis of false claims: https://fakenews.rs/category/ukratko/

2) Short analysis of questionable claims that have been proven to be true: https://fakenews.rs/category/medjutim/. In this section, we also include claims that we have not been able to verify.

3) Blogs and book reviews related to fact-checking: https://fakenews.rs/category/blog/

Files Attached
description Fact-checking analys... (21 KB)
Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

I've determined that since March, there are examples of four weeks in which neither fact-checks nor other types of analysis were published ( 5-11 September, 27-3 July, 6-12 July, 16-22 June). And while they tend to publish more than one piece of content per week, there are periods where it would pass more than 10 days between two fact-checks. I believe that this is something that should be taken into consideration.


done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

Most fact-checks focus on relevant topics that were gaining attention either in mainstream or social media.


done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

FakeNews Tragač is not financed by Serbian state funds. FakeNews Tragač is non-partisan and none of the journalists, editors and consultants are members of a political party.

The portal is currently supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) (2019-2023), the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) (2021-2022). During the previous financial year it was also supported by Sweden within the program of the Belgrade Open School "Youth and media for democratic development" (2020-2021).

Some projects of the Novi Sad School of Journalism are financed with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of Serbia and provincial secretariats. The total share of these funds in the organization's budget for 2021 is 2.38%.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The outlet does not seem to be controlled by any political party or individuals in the country.


done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

FakeNews Tragač is not financed by Serbian state funds.

We set out how we ensure the editorial independence here: https://fakenews.rs/o-nama/ (section Nepristrasnost u radu).

When analyzing media outlets and topics, FakeNews Tragač is guided by the criterion of impartiality. Journalists analyze all media content with equal attention, regardless of editorial policy, form of ownership and other characteristics of the media. Donors have no influence on the content published by FakeNews Tragač.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

FakeNews Tragač states it ensures its independence by following basic journalistic principles of impartiality and uses the same method for each of the articles regardless of the media whose articles they check.

It would be good to add a few lines explaining how precisely their impartiality and editorial independence are prevented in the contracts they have with their donors. 


done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

1. https://fakenews.rs/2022/07/23/srpski-telegraf-ponovo-izmislja-orbanove-planove-za-srbiju-%e2%80%95-demanti-iz-parlamenta-madarske/

2. https://fakenews.rs/2022/07/31/iluzija-na-novoj-i-n1-test-japanskog-neurologa-zapravo-je-opticka-varka-ukrajinskog-umetnika/

3. https://fakenews.rs/2022/03/02/zelenski-kao-nacista-dokazni-materijal-iz-fotosopa/

4. https://fakenews.rs/2022/08/25/lazna-vest-politike-da-su-amerikanci-kupili-trecinu-obradivog-zemljista-ukrajine/

5. https://fakenews.rs/2022/04/05/ne-ruski-patrijarh-nije-rekao-da-ukrajina-mora-biti-unistena-kao-nacisticki-rajh/

6. https://fakenews.rs/2021/10/25/pavloviceva-mast-i-masne-lazi/

7. https://fakenews.rs/2022/06/21/tajne-antarktika-rukavice-suveniri-i-zabranjena-podrucja/

8. https://fakenews.rs/2022/07/30/lazne-optuzbe-za-cepanje-zastave-od-srpskog-telegrafa-do-laznog-tviter-naloga/

9. https://fakenews.rs/2022/03/03/nije-viteski-1-samoubistva/

10. https://fakenews.rs/2022/04/20/analiza-naucne-produkcije/


Fact-check 1 refers to disinformation published in pro-government tabloid media, while Fact-check 2 refers to disinformation published in outlets that are critical of the government, and often percieved as more credible.

Fact-checks 3 and 4 refers to disinformation which was popular in pro-Russian circles in Serbia, wile Fact-check 5 refers to disinformation which was popular in pro-Ukrainian circles in Serba.

Fact-checks 6 and 7 show how we approached media content that is partially true. These examples show how we let the evidence dictate our conclusions.

Fact-check 8 refers to the disinformation that was circulated by the members of the rulling party, wile Fact-check 9 refers to disinformation connected with the establishment of the opposition movement (Professor Branimir Nestorović later supported the opposition party Dveri in the parliamentary elections).

Analysis 10 shows how we approached the evaluation of the level of scientific production of various "corona-influencers" in Serbia.


Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

FakeNews Tragač uses the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim.


done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The process is explained here: https://fakenews.rs/o-nama/ (Section Predmet analize).

1) The editorial office daily monitors the daily press (all newspapers), as well as twenty most popular news websites registered in Serbia (according to Gemius service).

2) Analysis of texts from weekly and monthly magazines, television and radio content, online and printed ads, as well as content from social networks is carried out at the request of readers, via the "Report fake news" form or by tagging our account on social networks.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

FakeNews Tragač monitors daily press and popular online portals. They encourage readers to send them proposals and suspicious content they would like them to analyze.


done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

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.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

FakeNews Tragač does not seem to be affiliated nor it shows support for any political party or interest group.


done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

Non-partisanship rules are explained here: https://fakenews.rs/o-nama/ (Section Nepristrasnost u radu)

FakeNews Tragač is non-partisan and none of the journalists, editors and consultants are members of a political party.

When analyzing media outlets and topics, FakeNews Tragač is guided by the criterion of impartiality, and analyzes all content with equal attention, regardless of editorial policy, form of ownership and other characteristics of the media.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

FakeNews Tragač states on its website that donors cannot interfere in editorial policy and journalists are prevented from joining or supporting political parties. 


It would be good to have, if they do not already, a rulebook which guarantees non-partisanship and prevents their staff from being involved in any kind of political campaign. Something similar to what Istinomer does https://www.istinomer.rs/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Pravilnik-o-sprec%CC%8Cavanju-sukoba-interesa-Istinomer.pdf.


done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

FakeNews Tragač identifies the source of all significant evidence used in their fact checks, including screenshots, and provides relevant links so the users can check claims on their own.


done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

FakeNews Tragač uses a variety of proof such as publicly available information, interviews with experts, OSINT tools, other media reporting and others. I have found a few articles in which they state that some things could not be checked from a primary source and they explain why.


done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

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.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

As stated above, FakeNews Tragač is the fact-checking website launched and owned by the nonprofit organization Novi Sad School of Journalism.

Please find attached the proof, issued by the Serbian Business Registers Agency.

Files Attached
picture_as_pdf FakeNews Tragač - Re... (33 KB)
FakeNews Tragač
05-Oct-2022 (1 year ago)

As stated above, FakeNews Tragač is the fact-checking website launched and owned by the nonprofit organization Novi Sad School of Journalism.

Please find attached the proof, issued by the Serbian Business Registers Agency.

The information on all sources of funding (2018-2021) is published on the website, Section "O nama": https://fakenews.rs/o-nama/

Files Attached
picture_as_pdf Finansijski izvestaj... (712 KB)
Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

There is not a page on their website detailing each source of funding accounting for 5% or more of total revenue for its previous financial year. 


cancel 4.1 marked as Request change by Ivana Jeremic.
Ivana Jeremic Assessor
06-Oct-2022 (1 year ago)

After our request, they added information about their donors and linked financial records that provide more details.


done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The statement is available here: https://fakenews.rs/o-nama/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

Details about FakeNews Tragač's legal status and founder can be found within their "about" section.


done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The information is available here: https://fakenews.rs/impresum/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

In its Impressum, FakeNews Tragač specifies the duties of their staff.


done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The information is available here: https://fakenews.rs/impresum/ (Drop-down menu)

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

Short biographies of the team members are published on the "Impressum" page on FakeNews Tragač's website.


done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The invitation to readers to report disinformation is in the main menu of the site (red box on the top right): www.fakenews.rs

In more details: https://fakenews.rs/prijavi-laznu-vest/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

Readers are invited to fill out a form on FakeNews Tragač's website.


done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The methodology is explained here: https://fakenews.rs/o-nama/ (Drop-down menu)

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

A statement about the methodology used in fact-checks is available on their website within the "about" page.


done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

FakeNews Tragač uses a number of OSINT tools and basic journalistic principles in writing their analysis. The form of their fact-checks somewhat differentiates from regular fact-checks since there are no clear ratings of the claims the other fact-checking organisations use.


done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

In their analysis, they list 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 Ivana Jeremic.

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.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

They seem to use the same approach in all of the analyses.


done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The invitation to readers to report disinformation is in the main menu of the site (red box on the top right): www.fakenews.rs

In more details: https://fakenews.rs/prijavi-laznu-vest/


They can also contact us via DM or by tagging on:

1) Facebook: FNTragac

2) Twitter: FNTragac

3) Instagram: fn_tragac

4) Tiktok: fntragac

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

Readers are invited to fill out a form on FakeNews Tragač's website. Rules on how to suggest a fact-check and what will be taken into account are also available (https://fakenews.rs/prijavi-laznu-vest/)


done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

Corrections or complaints policy is published here: https://fakenews.rs/o-nama/ (Section: Ispravke grešaka)

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

Correction policy is available within the applicant's "about" section. Complaints and additional proofs or explanations can be reported via email to one of the editors.


done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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

Ivana Jeremic Assessor
23-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

As stated on the website, if they "determine that the objection is justified, the error will be corrected following a note at the end of the story containing the date and nature of the correction."


done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

During the previous year no correction request has been made.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

This is our first application.

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.

FakeNews Tragač
06-Sep-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

We are not a fact-checking unit of a media company. The website is launched and owned by a nonprofit organization Novi Sad School of Journalism.