Mastering Eyewitness Media in the Age of AI and Disinformation

Overview

If you are interested in commissioning this intensive two-day workshop, please contact us.

In the current media environment, dominated by the rapid spread of disinformation and the increasing sophistication of AI-generated content, the ability to critically assess and ethically utilise eyewitness media is more vital than ever. This practical workshop, a collaboration between the EBU Academy and Eurovision News Spotlight, is specifically designed to empower you with the hands-on skills and in-depth knowledge needed to confidently navigate these complexities. Join our expert trainers for dynamic, activity-based sessions and become proficient in the essential techniques for verifying, analysing, and responsibly using eyewitness media in 2025. Together, let's reinforce the highest standards of accuracy and integrity in journalism and media.

Who is it for

Broadcast news editors
Broadcast news journalists
Social media news editors
Social media news journalists
News content strategies
Digital forensics experts
Fact-checkers
Educators and researchers

Sessions

Day 1: Mastering Verification and Source Analysis (Practical Focus)

Session 1, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Deep Dive into Source Verification & Digital Footprinting

Dive deep into the methodologies and tools used to rigorously verify the origins and digital footprint of eyewitness media sources. Learn how to go beyond surface-level checks to analyse social media profiles, website metadata, and online histories to identify potential biases and assess credibility.

Practical Activity 1: Social Media Source Analysis Lab: Participants will analyse provided social media profiles using OSINT tools to identify inconsistencies, connections, and potential indicators of inauthenticity.
Practical Activity 2: Website & Domain Investigation: Hands-on exercises using tools to examine website registration details, historical changes, and potential links to disinformation networks.

Session 2, 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Media Authentication: Image & Video Forensics in Practice

Participants will gain practical experience in analysing the authenticity of images and videos. Learn to utilise reverse image/video search engines effectively, examine metadata for manipulation, and identify potential signs of AI-generated content.

Practical Activity 3: Reverse Media Search Challenge: Participants will work with a range of images and videos, employing various reverse search techniques to determine origin and identify potential manipulations.
Practical Activity 4: Metadata Analysis Workshop: Hands-on use of tools to extract and interpret metadata, looking for inconsistencies and indicators of tampering. Introduction to basic AI detection techniques for media.

Day 2: Geolocation, Disinformation, and Ethical Considerations (Applied Skills)

Session 3, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Advanced Geolocation & Chronological Analysis

Unlock the secrets of pinpointing the precise location and time of media capture. Learn advanced geolocation techniques using visual clues, environmental factors, and specialised tools. Develop skills in verifying the chronological accuracy of eyewitness accounts.

Practical Activity 5: Geolocation Puzzle: Participants will work through real-world case studies, applying geolocation techniques to determine the location of provided media.
Practical Activity 6: Timeline Reconstruction Exercise: Using simulated social media data and other contextual information, participants will reconstruct timelines of events and identify potential discrepancies.

Session 4, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Identifying and Debunking Disinformation in Eyewitness Media

Arm yourself with practical strategies and tools to identify and combat disinformation and misinformation spread through eyewitness media. Learn to recognise common manipulation tactics and apply effective fact-checking workflows.

Practical Activity 7: Disinformation Pattern Recognition: Participants will analyse examples of misleading eyewitness media narratives and identify the disinformation techniques employed.
Practical Activity 8: Collaborative Fact-Checking Simulation: Participants will work in groups to fact-check provided eyewitness media using online resources and collaborative verification platforms.

Session 5, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Navigating AI-Generated Content: Detection & Ethical Implications

Discover the evolving challenges posed by AI-generated content in journalism. Learn practical methods for detecting deepfakes and other forms of AI manipulation, and discuss the critical ethical considerations surrounding their use and identification.

Practical Activity 9: AI Detection Tool Showcase & Practice: Participants will be introduced to and experiment with tools designed to identify AI-generated media.
Interactive Discussion: Ethical Dilemmas of AI in Eyewitness Reporting: A facilitated discussion on the ethical challenges of encountering and reporting on AI-generated content.

Session 6, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Copyright & Responsible Use of Eyewitness Media in 2025

Gain a clear understanding of copyright law concerning user-generated content and eyewitness media. Learn best practices for responsible sourcing, attribution, and sharing of copyrighted material in the digital age.

Case Study Analysis: Copyright Challenges in Eyewitness Media: Participants will analyse real-world scenarios involving copyright issues related to user-generated content.
Best Practices for Licensing & Attribution: A discussion and practical guidance on properly licensing and attributing eyewitness media.