Martí launches groundbreaking new fact-checking service to counter propaganda in Cuba 

November 2, 2023

Today, Radio and Television Martí unveiled Martí Verifica, the most ambitious fact-checking service to verify public discourse and combat disinformation about Cuba and topics of interest to the Cuban people. The resourceful and comprehensive new project from Radio and Television Martí is a collaboration with Mediaplus INC, the parent company of the independent Cuban news platform, El Toque. 

“Propaganda and disinformation are pervasive in Cuba,” said Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) Director Sylvia Rosabal. “Martí Verifica is the most comprehensive fact-checking resource available on the island, created by Cuban journalists who share OCB’s mission to unmask the lies told by the Cuban regime. This service will arm audiences with the facts they need to thwart malign influence, censorship and information manipulation from Havana, Moscow, and Beijing.”  

The new platform, which also serves as the fact-checking unit of Martí Noticias, is designed to reach Cubans where they are, particularly on digital platforms including Facebook, YouTube, X (formerly known as Twitter), WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, in addition to its website, martiverifica.info. Martí Verifica addresses rampant disinformation by publishing at least five diverse fact-checking pieces each week across a multitude of formats, including written articles, explainers and audiovisual stories. The service will host engaging content with the highest journalistic standards, incorporating methodologies established by the International Fact-Checking Network. The verification unit will work according to the VOA/Martí Noticias Best Practices Guide and Journalistic Code.   

Martí Verifica is the latest initiative from Radio and TV Martí’s to provide timely fact-checking resources to Cubans since the February 2023 launch of StopFake.org, a joint project to counter Russia-led Spanish-language propaganda in Cuba.

About OCB

The Office of Cuba Broadcasting oversees Radio and Television Martí, its news website Martínoticias.com, and associated social media platforms. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, the Martís are a multimedia hub of unbiased and objective news, information, and analysis that provide the people of Cuba with interactive programs seven days a week through satellite television, shortwave and AM radio, and digital platforms.

Find out more

Contact Office of Public Affairs

Originally published at https://www.usagm.gov/2023/11/02/marti-launches-groundbreaking-new-fact-checking-service-to-counter-propaganda-in-cuba/