Future journalists’ fight against disinformation: analysis of university training offers and challenges in the Spanish context

Disinformation has become a global problem affecting mass media, governments and citizens globally. Besides the loss of trust in media its weakening influence, exposure to all manner messages on social recent years paved way for disinformation, which considerable challenge journalism. According 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer, Spain is one countries most concerned about this phenomenon (Edelman, 2022). However, concern shared by Spanish journalist associations? What training initiatives are being carried out future journalists counter spread disinformation? How should fact-checking be taught university? This study aims answer these questions using dual methodology. First, review analysis were undertaken different bachelor’s university-specific master’s degree students. Then, 15 in-depth interviews conducted with experts, including fact-checkers, experienced representatives sectoral associations, ascertain their views disinformation. The main results show that universities offer few fact-checking-related initiatives, particularly at level, although more degrees topic becoming available. Furthermore, interviewees view specialised next generation as key factor fighting they provide guidelines achieve this.