Politifact Australia confirms Seven as its media partner

May 27, 2013 8:55

New online fact checking website Politifact Australia has confirmed speculation that it will partner with Channel Seven ahead of the September 2013 Federal Election.

Launched two weeks ago Politifact is based on the format of its US counterpart, created by the Tampa Bay Times, and seeks to test political statements categorising them alongside a ‘truthometer’.

According to the promotional video broadcast last night Seven will use the the ‘truthometer’ as “the independent referee to sort the truth from the lies.”

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Nic Christensen

Nic Christensen worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2016, in roles including deputy editor and media & technology editor. He is former media writer for The Australian and has also worked as a reporter for The Daily Telegraph and senior producer for Radio 2GB.

Topics

Peter Fray Politifact Australia Rob Raschke Seven

3 COMMENTS

Robb 27 May 13

Already exposed as a sham. This fact checker needs a fact checker.

But the Coalition should worry that Australia’s number one TV network has joined forces with this mob. Bad news for Abbott and Co.

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Mike 27 May 13

This should prove interesting, especially as Politifact uses terms that say someone is a “liar”. That may be melodramatic and entertaining, but it’s against the law.

Whether they are or not is immaterial – it’s defamatory to say so. And the “public interest test” is……well, good luck with that.
Even as we speak, the defamation lawyers are sharpening their knives, and selecting their new Ferraris!

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mumbrella 27 May 13

Mike,

You misunderstand misunderstand libel law. It’s not against the law to call someone a liar if you can prove they are.

Cheers,

Tim – Mumbrella