Applications for the MediaWise Teen Fact-Checking Network, paid positions involving fact-checking viral information in electronic media, have been announced by the Poynter Institute and are open until Dec. 31.

Here is the application description posted on its website:

MediaWise is a groundbreaking digital media literacy project that aims to teach people of all ages how to sort fact from fiction online. One of the key components of MediaWise is the Teen Fact-Checking Network (TFCN). For this role, we are looking for middle and high school students interested in fact-checking viral misinformation to help us create media literacy TikTok and YouTube videos for our “Is This Legit” series.

Teen fact-checkers will pitch potential misinformation they come across on social media, research and write fact-check scripts, gather production elements and record the fact-check for our social media channels. We are also looking for talented teen video editors to join the team.

Students will have the opportunity to learn from and work with journalists at the Poynter Institute as well as PolitiFact, and will be paid per fact-check.

ROLES WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Video editors: Are you a Wiz with Adobe Premiere? We’re looking for teens with strong video editing skills and a strong eye for YouTube. Students will edit one fact-check video every other week for our YouTube series, “Is This Legit?” NOTE: for this application, you will be required to submit a video you edited.
• On-camera fact-checkers (TikTok + Reels): We’re looking for talented content creators with a demonstrated knowledge of short-form video platforms, like TikTok and Reels. These teen fact-checkers will pitch, write and produce their own TikTok fact-checks, as well as transform episodes of Is This Legit into bite-sized videos for a broader distribution. NOTE: For this application, you will be required to submit a video of yourself.
• On-camera fact-checkers (YouTube): We’re looking for teens who are comfortable speaking on camera and able to carry a YouTube series. These Teen Fact-Checkers are expected to pitch stories, write scripts and record their fact-checks. In addition, students will put together fact-check articles for poynter.org. If you are selected as on-camera talent, you will be sent a filming kit (microphone, lighting equipment, etc.) *Student must have a phone that can film in 1080HD or a digital camera of their own*  NOTE: For this application, you will be required to submit a video of yourself.

COMMITMENT:
This project will begin Jan. 15, 2024, and last through mid-July. Teen Fact-Checkers are expected to pitch stories weekly and produce a minimum of two fact-checks a month. Students should also expect to participate in biweekly virtual team meetings to pitch ideas and set deadlines.

COMPENSATION:
You will be compensated per fact-check.

DEADLINE:
Applications close Dec. 31, 2023

Read more about MediaWise here: https://www.poynter.org/mediawise/
MediaWise YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MediaWise
MediaWise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mediawise/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mediawise
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mediawise

This effort is 100% non-partisan. Candidates for this position must strictly adhere to that requirement as it is core to the project itself. Please review our editorial standards: https://www.poynter.org/mediawise/editorial-standards-and-ethics-policy/

Send questions to Youth Programming Manager Kathleen Tobin at [email protected]If you know a middle or high school student interested in journalism, fact-checking, TikTok or video editing, please pass our APPLICATION along!! We are especially looking for video editors. 

• FYI: This is a PAID position!!
• MediaWise, part of the Poynter Institute in St. Pete, FL, is a groundbreaking digital media literacy project that helps people sort fact from fiction online. Check out our Instagram and TikTok accounts as well as our “Is This Legit” series to see what we do. 
• Any questions? Email Youth Programming Manager Kathleen Tobin at [email protected].