The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), an initiative connecting fact-checkers around the world, congratulated Maria Ressa, chief executive officer and president of online news network Rappler, for winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ressa became the first Filipino to win the much-coveted award last Friday, Oct. 8. Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov, editor in chief of Novaja Gazeta, shared the recognition with Ressa. The two were honored “for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace” in their respective countries, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said in its statement.
Ressa leads digital news organization Rappler, one of IFCN’s three verified signatories in the Philippines alongside VERA Files and Agence France-Presse Philippines.
In a statement on Monday, Oct. 11, the fact-checking network hailed Rappler’s efforts to “fight against misinformation and hold their country strongman accountable,” which, it said, serves as an “inspiration for the global fact-checking community.”
Read the IFCN’s statement here in full:
Dear fact-checkers of the world,
Maria Ressa’s Nobel Peace Prize puts a spotlight on fact-based journalism, holding the powerful accountable, and the value of freedom of the press.
There are nearly 100 organizations in IFCN’s verified signatories network that come from more than 50 different countries. All cope with certain challenges but some operate under more unfriendly environments. The fact that the committee said in their citation that “free, independent and fact-based journalism serves to protect against abuse of power, lies and war propaganda” reminds us of the risks that journalists around the world have to live with.
Rappler’s and Maria Ressa’s challenges are second to few but as it has been already, Rappler’s efforts to fight against misinformation and hold their country strongman accountable will be an inspiration for the global fact-checking community.
The International Fact-Checking Network is proud to have Rappler as a verified signatory in this historic moment. Its success under Maria Ressa’s leadership is a reminder of how high we can set the bar in our efforts to hold the powerful accountable despite all the odds against us as independent journalists.
Congratulations to the entire Rappler team, its Head of Digital Strategy Gemma B. Mendoza for showing us what fact-based journalists can do!
