Political Fact-Checking in the Czech Republic on the Example of demagog.cz and manipulatori.cz Portals

Abstract

Variety of portals and fact-check initiatives in the Czech Republic is an interesting phenomenon, created as a result of a political tangling, information war, changes in contemporary media, economic and social issues. In comparison to other countries from the Visegrad Group, these portals have developed significantly. This is understandable considering the complex social and political situation in the Czech Republic as well as the development of new forms of communication. What is happening in this country can be considered as a kind of testing ground for the creators of fake news and fact-checkers. On the one hand, it is the struggle of various secret services and interest groups (mainly pro-Kremlin, pro-Russian) that have an influence on public opinion by using techniques of manipulation and control of society. On the other hand, they are more and more advanced journalistic and scientific projects operating in the network, dealing with fact-checking. The article focuses on portal demagog.cz that verifies statements made by politicians and portal manipulatori.cz that checks facts and examines public debate in the Czech Republic.