Debunking Political Disinformation through Journalists’ Perceptions: An Analysis of Colombia’s Fact-Checking News Practices

Fact-checking alliances emerged worldwide to debunk political disinformation in electoral contexts because of social concerns related information authenticity. This study, thus, included the Latin American context fact-checking journalism studies as a journalistic practice fight disinformation. Through analyzing RedCheq, first alliance an regional led by Colombiacheck, 11 in-depth interviews were conducted identify perceptions fact-checkers regarding usefulness this practice, its achievements, and key aspects for incorporating into media ecosystem. The study results revealed that RedCheq achieved goal fighting disinformation, developed transformational leverage media. Regional journalists perceived element restores credibility trust epistemology neglects power pressure dissemination official narratives. Finally, highlighted how contributes democratic quality civic empowerment silenced polarized environments. In addition, it discussed need expand journalism’s coverage new geographical areas improve journalists’ professional competencies training, thereby enabling them function using verification tools based on requirements.