Functioning and viability of fact-checking alliances in Spain: the case of Comprobado

Abstract

The emergence of the Comprobado alliance in electoral periods is a paradigmatic example of collaborative fact-checking initiatives in Spain. Through semi-structured interviews with professionals of the verification platforms adhered to Comprobado (n = 5), this research studies the dynamics established in the re-edition of the alliance for the 2023 general elections in Spain. The objective of this research is twofold: Firstly, to examine the functioning and feasibility of the alliance, considering the different working dynamics required by its journalistic processes for verification agencies and media outlets, as well as the different approaches followed by fact-checking entities. Secondly, to create, based on the results, a code of best practices as a method for evaluating and continuously improving these initiatives. In this way, the results demonstrate the need and benefit of having an actor responsible for coordination, as well as materials for community use such as a database with disinformative content, a common measurement scale, and a framework for sharing verification policies with allied media outlets. The study concludes that the functioning of the reedition of Comprobado is generally positive, although there is room for improvement in certain areas of work such as, for example, in the subsequent measurement of the initiative's impact. Furthermore, in countries like Spain, with tense newsrooms and a polarized pluralistic media environment, cross-sharing alliances are the most viable and efficient option.