The Poynter Institute, a global nonprofit that strengthens democracy by improving the relevance, ethical practice and value of journalism, has released its 2025 report which shows that fact-checking organisations around the world are facing one of their most difficult periods yet. The report highlights an industry under growing financial pressure, with many organisations struggling to remain sustainable. Despite these challenges, fact-checkers continue to expand their reach, strengthen collaboration, and adapt to a rapidly changing digital landscape by embracing emerging tools such as artificial intelligence to sustain the fight against misinformation.
Despite these financial challenges, the report shows that many fact-checking organizations are finding new ways to connect with people, especially through short videos, visuals, and social media platforms, where misinformation spreads quickly. Even with reduced staff and tighter budgets, a majority reported growth in their audience, showing a strong public demand for verified and trustworthy information.
At the same time, collaboration has become a key survival strategy. Fact-checking groups are increasingly collaborating, as well as with civil society organizations, researchers, and media partners. This growing network of support is helping them share resources, improve their methods, and respond more effectively to false information. Alongside this, the use of artificial intelligence is rising, mainly as a support tool to speed up research, translation, and content production, while human judgment remains at the center of their work.
However, the challenges facing fact-checkers go beyond funding. The report highlights rising legal risks, with more organizations facing lawsuits, and increasing pressure and interference from government authorities in some regions. While incidents of harassment have slightly declined, many fact-checkers still operate in environments where their work can attract threats, forcing some to adjust how they report or protect their teams.
Even with these pressures, the industry continues to show resilience. Most organizations say they are adapting to changes, improving their methods, and finding new ways to stay relevant in a fast-moving information space. The report paints a clear picture of a sector under strain, but also one that remains committed to its mission, ensuring that accurate, reliable information reaches the public in an era where truth is constantly being tested.
Looking ahead, the report suggests that the future of fact-checking will depend on how well organizations can balance innovation with sustainability. As artificial intelligence becomes more common in newsrooms, many see it as a helpful tool rather than a replacement for human judgment. At the same time, concerns around ethics, transparency, and the rise of deepfakes continue to shape how fact-checkers approach their work and maintain public trust.
Ultimately, the findings highlight a simple but powerful reality that even in the face of financial uncertainty and growing external pressure, fact-checkers are not backing down. Instead, they are evolving, finding new ways to reach audiences, strengthening partnerships, and holding on to their core mission of defending truth in an increasingly complex information environment.
Another key insight from the report is the shift in how fact-checking content is produced and shared. Organizations are moving away from long written reports and focusing more on visual storytelling, infographics, short videos, and mobile-friendly content. This change reflects where audiences are today and how they consume information. By meeting people on these platforms, fact-checkers are making their work more accessible and easier to understand.
The report also shows that misinformation continues to spread widely across major digital platforms, making the role of fact-checkers even more important. From social media apps to messaging platforms, false information travels fast and often reaches millions before it can be corrected. This puts pressure on fact-checkers to respond quickly, while still maintaining accuracy and credibility in their work.
In addition, many organizations are investing in media literacy programs to help people better understand how to identify false or misleading information. By educating the public, fact-checkers are not only reacting to misinformation but also working to prevent it. This long-term approach aims to build a more informed society that can question and verify information independently.
In the end, the report is not just about challenges; it is also about determination. Fact-checkers around the world continue to push forward, driven by the belief that access to accurate information is essential for healthy societies. Their work, though often under pressure, remains a critical line of defense in today’s information age.
