Mototalker would like to inform you about the care and caution that We take in order to ensure due accuracy of Our content, which is addressed by Our Fact-Checking Policy.
Due Accuracy in All Our Content
For any journalistic platform, trust of its audience is the most important aspect. Trust can only be gained and sustained on the basis of accurate, fair, and balanced reporting. It is essential that We remain committed to attaining due accuracy in all Our content to the extent possible. Our understanding of ‘due accuracy’ is that accuracy is not just of the requisite standard but also satisfactory in essence. Factors such as subject and nature of the information being provided, the expectations of the audience, etc. are also taken into consideration by Us in pursuit of due accuracy. We strive to give the most accurate account, corroborated by direct stakeholders of the news in every single report. We investigate claims with skepticism, question assumptions, and challenge conventional wisdom. We acknowledge areas of uncertainty, which will always exist despite Our best efforts to resolve them. However, the stringency required to fact-check information on soft and hard stories differs. For example, sources required for a positive story on an automobile charity event would differ from an investigative story in the automotive industry.
Fact-Checking Guidelines
We adhere to the guidance below to ensure due accuracy in Our content:
- We ensure that any content shared by Us is derived from a reliable source, based on concrete and corroborated evidence. In the case of a lack of direct sources, We attribute the stories to the platform from where it is sourced.
- We endeavor to verify any claims or allegations or information attributed to public authorities or from someone who We believe has a cause beyond just giving an account of the truthfulness of the event. Therefore, We qualify and call-out such information, including claims or allegations, which We are unable to corroborate.
- We stand by the information We publish and deem it to be accurate. If proven otherwise, We update the news/information as swiftly as reasonably possible and ensure that We duly inform Our readers of the changes made in such information.
- We ensure that We do not consciously misinform anyone or present any made-up information as factual content. Further, where serious factual errors arise, We publicly accept them and ensure rectification in the shortest possible time in a clear and appropriate manner.
- We provide a fair opportunity for the public to report any inaccuracies or errors on Our Website via a “Suggest A Correction” segment at the end of all reportage published on Our website mototalker.com.
The foremost responsibility of Our journalists is to report, write, and fact-check news/information/stories. All stories are subjected to scrutiny on multiple levels, including a robust fact-checking internal procedure, wherein thorough due diligence is carried out, followed by further review by one or more of Our editors. The seniority of the editors depends on various factors such as the complexity and sensitivity of the issue and the time constraints.
In case of an allegation, We ensure to reach out to all concerned parties, independently verify the information, and achieve the most accurate result.
Sourcing Information for Our Content
We source information in the most accurate way by following these guidelines:
- Verify all information with at least two sources.
- In the case of a single source, the credibility of the source is ensured through corroboration.
- Look for documentary evidence instead of solely relying on human sources.
- For surveys, We ensure transparency regarding how the information was collected and how the data was interpreted. Any inconsistencies are conveyed to the audience at the earliest possible time.
- Always aim to present accurate information at the first instance instead of making it public first and subsequently addressing doubts.
- Engage directly with stakeholders of the news and explain why a source is not named when anonymity is used, providing readers with as much information as possible to assess the sources’ reliability.
- Share source information with editors for assessment of the appropriateness of use.
User-Generated Content
User-generated content poses inherent challenges. We do not assume that the material shared with Us is accurate. Depending on its intended use, We take reasonable steps to verify the content’s veracity. We are mindful of how to employ information supplied by a person with vested interests rather than a disinterested bystander.
Guidelines for User-Generated Content:
- Verify internet sources, considering who operates the website and confirming that the material is genuine.
- Distinguish between fact and rumor, particularly on social media, where error or rumor can spread quickly.
- Scrutinize content from social media or other online sources to corroborate facts and qualify all material that was not gathered by Us.
If you require any more information or have any questions about our site’s fact-checking policy, please feel free to contact us by email at [email protected].