Laura Donnelly’s Guide To Fact-Checking And Fighting Misinformation On Air.
In today’s fast-moving media world, getting the facts right is crucial. That was the clear message from Laura Donnelly on a recent session with the Learning Waves Radio Presenter Course.
Laura has been working in the radio industry for many years. From her early days as a researcher and broadcast journalist, to her current role as news editor and anchor with Bauer Media Group stations 98FM and Today FM, it’s clear that Laura has gained valuable experience in accuracy and fact checking, and she shared her knowledge with us.
Why Accuracy Matters
Radio is built on trust. One mistake can damage a presenter's reputation and the station's credibility. Laura reminded participants that listeners won’t remember all the stories you got right, but they will remember the one you got wrong.
The Essentials of Fact-Checking
Before sharing any story on air, there were four key points that Laura highlighted presenters need to verify...
Who? What? Where? When?
Why? Because this builds the foundation for accurate reporting.
She stressed the importance of having at least two independent sources to support a story. Exceptions include official press releases from the Gardaí or government bodies, which are considered trustworthy on their own.
Laura then shared an example of a common real-life scenario in local radio stations; a listener texts in claiming there's Garda activity nearby and wonders why it hasn't been reported on. This may seem like a great lead to a story, however, until confirmed by the Garda Press Office, that information should not be broadcast. “It might take hours,” Laura noted, “but accuracy is more important than being first”.
The Social Media Trap - If You Get It Wrong, Own It
Social media can be a great tool in alerting presenters to breaking news, but Laura explained that it should never be the only source used. She referenced the widely reported "meteor crater" hoax on an Irish beach, which turned out to be a man-made hole. A single enthusiastic source led to widespread misinformation.
Laura advised to always check with experts and seek a second opinion to avoid sharing wrong or misleading information on air. Mistakes can happen. Laura recommended correcting errors on air as soon as possible rather than moving on and hoping no one would notice. Being upfront helps maintain listener trust and shows accountability.
Misinformation vs Disinformation
Laura outlined the difference between the two: misinformation is false information shared by mistake, whereas disinformation is deliberately false and intended to mislead.
Understanding intent is key, Laura emphasized. False headlines, misleading photos, or out-of-context clips are often designed to sway public opinion. Presenters must think critically about everything they share.
Practical Tips for Presenters
Whether you're on a music show or mid-interview with a politician, here’s Laura’s advice to keep your broadcast both accurate and professional:
-Trust but verify: Don’t rely on texts or tweets - get confirmation.
-Pick up the phone: Don't just email or text. Call people directly.
-Use official sources: Garda Press Office, government departments, state agencies.
-Be cautious with legal cases: Wait until someone appears in court before naming them.
-Don’t fall for social pressure: Just because a story is trending doesn’t mean it’s true - or ready to be aired.
Final Thoughts
Laura’s session was a powerful reminder that in radio, credibility is your currency. In the age of instant sharing and online noise, taking the time to verify, even when the pressure is on, is what sets a professional broadcaster apart.
Whether you're reading headlines live, responding to texts, or covering a major breaking story, remember Laura’s advice: it’s better to be right than first.