Fact Check: "Who is sponsoring these fact checks? That is where the money is coming from."
What We Know
The claim regarding the funding sources of fact-checking organizations is partially true. Various fact-checking entities, such as FactCheck.org and PolitiFact, have disclosed their funding sources, which include a mix of grants, individual donations, and corporate sponsorships.
-
FactCheck.org: This organization is primarily funded by the Annenberg Public Policy Center's endowment, which includes contributions from the Annenberg Foundation. They also accept donations from the public and have received grants from companies like Meta and Google for specific projects aimed at debunking misinformation. Importantly, FactCheck.org maintains a policy of transparency regarding its funding sources, disclosing any donations over $1,000 and ensuring that donors do not influence editorial decisions (FactCheck.org).
-
PolitiFact: Founded by the Tampa Bay Times and now part of the Poynter Institute, PolitiFact also receives funding from various sources, including online advertisements and grants. They have a membership program called the Truth Squad, which allows individuals to contribute financially. Similar to FactCheck.org, PolitiFact does not accept donations from anonymous sources or political entities that could create a conflict of interest. They disclose significant donations and maintain editorial independence (PolitiFact).
Analysis
The assertion that funding sources for fact-checking organizations are opaque or questionable lacks nuance. Both FactCheck.org and PolitiFact have established transparent funding models, which are publicly accessible. For instance, FactCheck.org's funding comes from a well-documented endowment and specific grants, while PolitiFact's funding includes a blend of advertising revenue and individual contributions, with disclosures about major donors (FactCheck.org, PolitiFact).
However, the involvement of corporations like Meta and Google raises questions about potential biases, even if these organizations assert that funding does not influence their editorial decisions. The reliance on corporate funding for specific projects, particularly in the context of misinformation, can create a perception of bias, especially when the funders are also significant players in the digital information landscape.
Both sources have been recognized for their commitment to transparency. For example, FactCheck.org has been praised for its financial disclosure practices, which are considered exemplary in the nonprofit sector (FactCheck.org). PolitiFact also emphasizes its independence from donor influence, stating that financial support does not equate to endorsement of their content (PolitiFact).
Conclusion
The claim that there are concerns about the funding of fact-checking organizations is Partially True. While both FactCheck.org and PolitiFact provide transparency regarding their funding sources, the involvement of corporate sponsors and the potential for perceived bias cannot be overlooked. Both organizations strive to maintain editorial independence, but the nature of their funding could influence public perception of their impartiality.
