Beyond messaging and debunking: information integrity starts with local journalism

Fighting disinformation should go beyond fact-checking and “debunking” and instead focus on strengthening local journalism as the foundation of information integrity. It explains that trusted, community-based media are best placed to provide relevant, contextualised and verified information, especially in fragile environments where rumours spread easily. By addressing people’s everyday information needs, promoting dialogue, and building long-term trust with audiences, local journalism helps prevent misinformation from spreading in the first place rather than only reacting to it.