As part of the “Truth or Fiction?” contest, the Communications Commission held a seminar at the Tbilisi State University, which was attended by 135 students. Media literacy trainer Anna Gvetadze informed students about the fact-checking and fake news detection mechanisms. The seminar, which used learning materials of BBC Academy, will help students prepare their submissions for the contest. 

The contest, which aims to develop logical and critical thinking, analysis and fact-checking skills among young people, will be held for the eighth time, and is open to all bachelor’s degree students. As part of the competition, participants are required to identify fake news in Georgian media space (internet, television and printed media) that had not yet been confirmed as inaccurate. The students have to explain how they identified the information, present the relevant source and establish real facts surrounding the case. 

Submissions are open until 31 October. Competition winners will be selected by a competent jury panel. Winners will receive ultramodern prizes from the Communications Commission, including an iPhone 14 Pro for the first place, an HP laptop for the second place and an iPad 10.2 for the third place finish. Apart from the prizes, the Commission will help the winners and other successful contestants with their career development. The Commission will organise certified trainings for students, which will allow participants to obtain the status of a trainer. They will then be able to become actively involved in the media literacy projects organised by the Commission and share their knowledge and experience with other university students and school pupils.