BBC World Service partners with Nobel Prize Outreach to examine disinformation and the role of critical thinking in new series…
The thought-provoking new series from the BBC World Service explores the spread of disinformation and how to combat it, from its use by Russia in its war with Ukraine, to the rise of Covid vaccine disinformation, climate denial, and digital harassment online.
Jon Zilkha, Controller, BBC World Service English:
“With the alarming rise of disinformation around the world, this thoughtful series considers how we navigate that challenge. Our partnership with the Nobel Prize Outreach will offer listeners insights from world-leading experts and their experiences of countering disinformation.”
In a new four-part series titled ‘Whose Truth?’ Babita Sharma hears from Nobel Prize laureates, global analysts, activists, and changemakers to discuss global problems that are demanding a new approach to critical thinking.
Four Nobel Prize laureates describe their experiences of disinformation in their field: Katalin Karikó, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2023; Oleksandra Matviichuk, whose organisation was one of the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize 2022; Sir Paul Nurse, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2001; and Maria Ressa, co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize 2021.
The partnership combines the expertise of Nobel Prize laureates and researchers with the BBC’s journalistic expertise and global reach across 43 languages. It will equip audiences with accessible, digestible, and relatable content, to better understand and interrogate false narratives. Young adults face a world of unprecedented challenges. Not only are they facing global threats such as climate change, war and persecution, but they are doing so when the very fabric of what is considered real or truthful is under attack.
Disinformation, an increased distrust of fact-based science and journalism, and the proliferation of fake news on social media, is threatening journalism, science and democracy worldwide. The series explores how critical thinking is a crucial skillset in combatting this spread.
Across four episodes the Beeb hear from Nobel Prize laureates about the spread of disinformation in their fields of work and the young people around the world combatting and exposing these distortions.
Simon Doyle, Chief Digital Officer, Nobel Prize Outreach:
“Nobel Prize laureates often highlight the importance of critical thinking skills and express deep concern about the threats to fact-based worldviews. The series provides new insights into the risks but also shows that tools exist to combat disinformation to make better decisions. Through our editorial collaboration, we will strengthen each other’s voices and inspire audiences across the globe.”
All four episodes of Whose Truth? will be available from Wednesday 5 June on The Documentary podcast feed wherever you get your BBC podcasts. It will air weekly on BBC World Service radio from Saturday 15 June.
Episode details can be found on the next page…
