Blog Post

How to Deal with Mis- and Disinformation in Times of Uncertainty

There is evidence that disinformation is designed to take advantage of our emotions. It also tends to spread farther and more rapidly during times of change and uncertainty. When people have questions and there are gaps in information, the disinformers (those who profit from lies), take advantage, “magically” putting forth what appear often to be simple answers or solutions. Here are some tips to protect yourself from falling for or sharing false or alarmist content as the U.S. transitions into a second Donald Trump presidency.

Insights into Journalism and Advice for Student Reporters Heading into 2025, from ICFJ Knight Fellows

As we kickstart 2025, we asked our ICFJ Knight Fellows about their outlooks for the new year, and what challenges and/or opportunities they’re preparing to face head on. The Fellows also provided their topline advice for student and early-career journalists to succeed in today’s news industry.

How One News Outlet is Amplifying Solutions for Prenatal Care in the Amazon

Women who live in riverside communities in the Amazon often contend with challenges that prevent them from accessing critical prenatal care, from low tide levels to long, costly journeys. But in the Brazilian state of Pará, in a riverside city of 72 islands, the rate of pregnant women accessing treatment has improved. A reporting series from Amazônia Vox, a news outlet founded by ICFJ Knight Fellow Daniel Nardin, explored how the city’s floating medical clinic made an impact.

ICFJ Voices: Hamna Iqbal Baig, on Covering Marginalized Communities

Hamna Iqbal Baig is a widely published freelance journalist and fact-checker who says she knew from a young age that journalism was her calling. She currently focuses on covering women, minorities and marginalized groups. Through two ICFJ programs, she enhanced her skills on data journalism and audience engagement and investigated the exploitation of sanitation workers in Karachi, Pakistan.

ICFJ Voices: Ojoma Akor, On Health Journalism

Nigerian journalist Ojoma Akor has received a variety of awards and fellowships throughout her career. Through an ICFJ program, she produced important work, including the first cross-border story in her portfolio. She credits the fellowship for deepening her understanding of malnutrition on the health beat.

IJNet's Top 10 Crisis Reporting Resources Published in 2024

Through our Crisis Reporting Forum at IJNet, we hosted live training sessions and discussions throughout the year to help journalists stay on top of major global developments. In our “IJNet Conversations” series launched this year, we reached out to experts and writers in the IJNet network to offer their expertise and advice for journalists on the fundamentals of the trade. Here are recaps of six crisis reporting sessions and recordings of four practical resources for journalists that remain relevant heading into 2025.

Journalists and Technologists Develop Innovative Products to Make the Truth go Viral

Journalists and technologists are teaming up through ICFJ’s Disarming Disinformation initiative to develop innovative tools: an app that helps experts create viral social media videos, a tool for journalists to quickly answer audience questions, and other products to help news publishers reach people with quality news and information.

Remembering Rodman Moorhead, Longtime Supporter of ICFJ’s Network

The International Center for Journalists has lost a dedicated champion with the passing of veteran board director Rodman Moorhead.

Tips for Maintaining a Sustainable Career in Media

As the news industry struggles with funding shortfalls, layoffs, declining trust and rapidly changing technology, journalists — from freelancers to newsroom leaders — have professional and financial security top of mind. In a recent IJNet Crisis Reporting Forum session, Muck Rack Editorial Director Andrew Mercier and Ajor Executive Manager Samanta do Carmo discussed how journalists can keep afloat and thrive in an increasingly uncertain professional environment.

ICFJ Voices: José Nieves, on Sustainability for Exiled Newsrooms

José J. Nieves is an ICFJ Knight Fellow developing resources to help newsrooms in exile plan for a sustainable future. Originally from Cuba, Nieves has been running his independent media platform El Toque from exile since 2019. From afar, El Toque became known for an innovative tool it developed: an exchange rate calculator for the informal market in Cuba. This tool is the first of its kind for Cubans, and has greatly impacted those within the country and El Toque’s success as a publication.