In today's world, media literacy is becoming crucial. It allows us to make the right decisions, recognize reliable sources of information and protect ourselves from fake news and propaganda.
"When we talk about traditional media, the most important thing is to recognize the source. Therefore, the first and most important thing is to know for sure who the source of the information is," says Goran Avramović, editor-in-chief Radio Kim.
He adds that there are several ways to recognize reliable sources, but that it all starts with you knowing that the source is credible, that is, that it does not have a long history of publishing misinformation, fake news, spins...
"What would round off the first line of defense against lies and misinformation, that is, recognizing reliable sources of information, is certainly the objectivity and independence of the source that publishes them, which I assume each of the readers can perceive for themselves," points out Avramović.
From 2021, a good part of the media from Kosovo, which broadcast the program in the Serbian language, is leading the fight against fake news, spin and disinformation. There is a "False" section on their websites, where journalists expose fake news, half-truths and misinformation.
The president of the Association of Serbian Journalists in Kosovo and Metohija, Ivana Vanovac, says that all the most important media in Serbian communities are actively involved in the field of disinformation, which is proven by the fact that on their portals you can find articles dealing with inaccurate information and debunking fake news.
"Also, they have excellent analytical texts, which encourage thinking in a critical direction. So, as far as the media itself is concerned, I think they are doing a great job."
It is important, he says, to go out on social networks with as attractive and effective content as possible, such as reels, clips...
"Podcasts turned out to be very popular," adds Vanovac.
Vanovac is of the opinion that the media should use their space to promote media literacy and thus create a good and quality audience for themselves.
"Džaba is a good medium if the audience is looking for low-quality content. As for us, I think we are doing a good job," concludes Vanovac.
There are multiple tools and platforms available for fact-checking in the digital world. For a better understanding of media content, curiosity is important.
Goran Avramović believes that the most important thing to check the facts is always to use one's own good trait, which is called inquisitiveness, and to think about why someone is communicating what they are communicating at a certain moment.
"If, on the other hand, we are talking about the technical tools that can be found on the Internet these days, there are really a lot of them. One of the most common ones that we have used recently is the reverse photo search, where you check on the basis of one photo whether there are similar or identical ones, who are the people behind those photos, etc. There is, therefore, a whole range of tools, but they are intended for professionals, who are interested in certain stories. Ordinary people should stick to their desire to have answers to all the questions that interest them," advises the editor-in-chief Radio Kim.
Evaluation of media content allows us to protect ourselves from manipulations, to use the media in the right way, to understand the world around us and to be active participants in shaping it.
