University of Lancashire and BBC Verify unite to help students spot fake news
Burnley College students have been learning how to better spot fake news thanks to The University of Lancashire and the BBC.
The university’s School of Arts and Media hosted the BBC Academy Live Verify Tour, which invited students from six of the region’s colleges to question what they read, watch, and hear, with help from industry experts.
Students learned how social media news feeds are shaped by algorithms, how to spot bias or misleading content, and how to use social media more thoughtfully. They examined how technology is used to fake being in a location, how they can identify the physical location of a computing device, known as geolocating, and how to verify AI.
The pupils also discovered what it’s really like to work in news and media by trying their hands at producing and presenting tv and radio bulletins and hearing first-hand from a panel of industry professionals.
Faheema Chaudry from Burnley College learned about virtual production. She said: “I never considered how much the lighting can change the vibe of the video so that was interesting.
“News wise, I tend to use TikTok and Instagram and feel like I’m more aware these days that misinformation can spread easily so it’s something to always be aware of.”
Fellow Burnley College pupil Miya McDonland added: “I think I'm good at spotting hidden AI and today has helped me identify certain indicators more easily. There are things that robots can't re-create the same way humans can.”
Ending the day, the team behind BBC Three’s latest fly-on-the-wall documentary, Tommy: The Good. The Bad. The Fury, took the audience behind the scenes, sharing the highs and lows of filming the series with renowned boxer Tommy Fury.
BBC North West Tonight reporter and University of Lancashire graduate Molly Brewer hosted the event. She said: “I was thrilled to be invited back to the University of Lancashire, the place where it all began for my own journalism career, to help host the BBC Verify Careers Day.
“A lot has changed in the media world since I graduated in 2018. It was great to work with young people considering this kind of exciting career in a world influenced by social media, fast-moving information and, at times, misinformation.”
Lindsay McCoy, executive news editor, BBC Verify, commented: “In a world where misinformation and disinformation spreads faster than ever, events like BBC Academy Live with BBC Verify are vital. Media literacy has never been more important.
“This event brings together everything young people need, hands-on experience, career inspiration, and the tools to navigate a world where truth and trust matter more than ever. We want students to leave today not just informed, but inspired - to see themselves in these roles, to know their voice matters, and to understand how they can make a difference in a digital world.”
Senior lecturer in Broadcast Journalism Gerrie Byrne added: “We’re very proud the University of Lancashire has one of the best journalism schools in the UK especially at a time when the integrity of journalists is under so much intense scrutiny.
“We’ve joined with the BBC Verify Team to help young people from around Lancashire understand what is happening in the world around them and why. Hopefully we are inspiring the next generation of news and sports reporters.”