How Suncoast Searchlight leverages AI to support its community fact-checking

Public officials make claims every day in commission meetings, press conferences, campaign ads, and interviews. Most of them go unchecked simply because no newsroom has the time to comb through hours of audio and video looking for something worth verifying. Suncoast Searchlight has found a way to close that gap.

Join Gigafact and Suncoast Searchlight for a conversation about how Suncoast Searchlight built its Fact Brief program (short, yes-or-no fact checks of questions their community is actually asking) and how the newsroom has used AI tools to maximize its impact.

In this session, you’ll learn:

• How Suncoast Searchlight structures its Fact Brief program, from sourcing questions to publishing 100-150 word answers readers can trust
• How Suncoast identifies and tracks claims made by public officials, and how to build watchlists for the politicians and issues that matter most to your coverage area
• Background information on Gigafact, Fact Briefs, and if the program might be a good fit for your team

Speakers:
Emily Le Coz, Executive Editor-in-chief, Suncoast Searchlight
Robyn Sundlee, VP of Programs / Co-founder, Gigafact