Fact-checking firm staffed by CNN alums takes Meta axing hard: ‘surprised and disappointed’
Lead Stories, a prominent fact-checking organization used by Facebook to moderate political content, expressed disappointment and disagreement with Meta’s decision to revamp its fact-checking process in order to avoid bias. In a statement released by Lead Stories editor Maarten Schenk, the organization expressed surprise and disappointment upon learning about the end of the Meta Third-Party Fact-Checking Partnership, of which Lead Stories has been a part since 2019.
The announcement from Meta stated that the company would be significantly altering its fact-checking process to “restore free expression.” This move was met with skepticism and criticism from Lead Stories, which has employed several former CNN alumni, including Alan Duke and Ed Payne, and has been one of the more prominent fact checkers used by Facebook in recent years.
Fox News Digital reported that Meta is ending its fact-checking program and lifting restrictions on speech to “restore free expression” across Facebook, Instagram, and Meta platforms. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was quoted as saying, “Fact-checkers have just been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they created, especially in the U.S..” Lead Stories pushed back against this accusation, pointing out that the organization and its fact-checkers have always been committed to non-partisanship and fairness, as required by the International Fact-Checking Network’s Code of Principles.
Lead Stories also raised concerns about Meta’s decision to move towards a system of moderation that is more in line with Community Notes at X. The organization criticized Community Notes for being slow, inaccurate, and lacking transparency about contributors’ bias, funding, allegiance, sources, and expertise. Lead Stories emphasized the importance of transparency in fact-checking and expressed a commitment to continue its mission of providing verified and sourced information to help people make informed decisions.
Despite the disappointment with Meta’s decision, Lead Stories vowed to press on and continue its fact-checking efforts, even though it will have to reduce its output without support from Meta. The organization highlighted its global reach and publication in multiple languages, emphasizing that its work extends beyond the U.S. and will not be significantly affected by the changes at Meta.
In response to Meta’s announcement, the executive director of Politifact, another fact-checker used by Facebook, issued a strong rebuke of Zuckerberg, accusing Meta of creating the rules that led to censorship on its platforms. Lead Stories echoed these sentiments and thanked the many people at Meta with whom they have worked over the years, while reiterating their commitment to fact-checking and providing accurate information to the public.
In conclusion, while disappointed by Meta’s decision, Lead Stories remains steadfast in its mission to combat misinformation and ensure that the truth is upheld. The organization emphasized the importance of fact-checking in promoting free speech and critical thinking, and expressed gratitude for the support from its readers and partners.
