MediaSmarts Teen Fact-Checking Network (Spring 2024)
NOTE: Applications for the Spring 2024 Teen Fact-Checkers are now closed to English-language applicants. We are still accepting French-language applications on our HabiloMédias page here.
MediaSmarts, Canada’s centre for digital media literacy and a registered charity, is excited to be launching the Teen Fact-Checking Network (TFCN) in Canada! This international project was started in the U.S. by MediaWise and has since been adopted in countries across the globe including Brazil, Germany, India and Spain.
We are looking for teens ages 13 to 18 interested in fact-checking stories to help us create digital media literacy videos for MediaSmarts’ TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels channels.
Teen Fact-Checkers will pitch potentially false or misleading stories or images they come across on social media, as well as stories that look “too good to be true” but really are true.
Once the pitch is approved, they’ll research and write a script, gather production elements, and record and edit at least one fact-checking video that will appear on MediaSmarts’ social media channels. (Check out MediaWise’s videos on TikTok and Instagram for examples of what they will look like).
Selected teens will have the opportunity to learn from and work with digital media literacy and communications experts and will be given an honorarium (or community service hours) and a certificate at the completion of the project. If you’re the person your friends and family turn to when they’re not sure what’s true online, this could be for you!
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
- Teens who are comfortable speaking on-camera and have a demonstrated knowledge of short-form video platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, as well as strong video editing skills.
- Teen Fact-Checkers are expected to pitch stories, write a script, and record and edit their fact-check video.
- In addition, participants will have the opportunity to put together a fact-check article for mediasmarts.ca’s blog.
- Participants must have a phone that can film in 1080HD or a digital camera of their own.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
You will be asked to submit the following with your application:
- A video of yourself reading a sample script provided by MediaSmarts (see details in the application).
- A writing sample, like a school assignment or a story you published for the school paper.
COMMITMENT:
This project will begin February 12, 2024, and last through the month of June. Teen Fact- Checkers are expected to produce a minimum of one fact-check video. Participants must attend an onboarding session and check in with the project manager regularly to provide progress updates.
Participants can choose to meet with the project manager to discuss ideas and ask questions during virtual office hours. There may be additional opportunities for workshops and training.
Selected participants who are under 18 will be sent a permission form for their parent/guardian to sign.
COMPENSATION:
Participants will be provided with an honorarium of $175 at the completion of the project as well as a certificate of completion.
DEADLINE:
Applications closed February 1, 2024.
Only participants under consideration will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest.
We strive to be an equitable and inclusive organization so that our team represents the diversity of backgrounds and identities across Canada. We welcome applications from candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and those with varied areas of expertise and lived experience. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process - please let us know how we can support your application.
Please contact the project manager Susana Mas if you have any questions at smas@mediasmarts.ca.