Want to get better at spotting false and misleading information?
A free, hands-on training from the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center can help. The “Ask Me What Is True?” media literacy session is designed to give participants practical tools to evaluate information they encounter in everyday life — from viral social media posts to casual conversations with friends and family.
The next training will take place Friday, June 6, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. The session — hosted in partnership with The Sun Herald newspaper — will be held in Room 204 of the campus library. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Advance registration is encouraged at www.rhcjcnews.com/amwit.
“We’re excited to offer this innovative training, which teaches people how to assess the reliability of what they hear, read or see — whether it’s online, in a group chat or across the dinner table,” said Joshua Wilson, the center’s community liaison. “Everyone who completes the session earns a digital certification that recognizes their understanding of media literacy and their commitment to truth.”
Groups interested in scheduling a private training can contact Wilson, who can tailor the session length to meet specific needs. He can be reached at 601-266-4265 or [email protected].
“Media literacy is central to our mission,” Wilson said. “In addition to our trainings, we operate a free ‘What Is True?’ service that helps the public verify questionable claims — like something they heard on the radio, saw on Facebook or picked up from Cousin Fred.”
Members of the public can submit information to the “What Is True?” service by calling 601-266-TRUE (8783), emailing [email protected] or completing a form on the center’s website. Trained researchers investigate each claim and provide a response within two business days.
The center also produces original reporting on issues that matter to southeast Mississippi communities. Its team includes seven full-time media professionals and about 15 students from local high schools, community colleges and universities.
Stories are published weekly at www.rhcjcnews.com and may be republished by local news outlets at no cost.
