Convincing audiovisual material is not proof in itself. A newsroom needs a consistent process combining provenance, technical checks, independent corroboration and a clear editorial decision.
Pause rushed publication
When material is striking or politically charged, increase the time spent checking it rather than reducing it. Preserve the original file and record how it arrived.
Trace the chain of provenance
Find the earliest known uploader, the time, the device and any earlier versions. Screenshots and recompressed copies remove critical evidence.
Check the context, not just the pixels
Compare weather, location, signs, shadows, language and timing against independent information. Genuine material can be presented with a false description.
Use tools as indicators
Detectors and metadata help, but they do not deliver a verdict. Combine multiple signals and consult a specialist when the stakes are high.
State what you know and what you do not
If authenticity has not been established, do not present the material as fact. Explain the degree of certainty and the checking method to the reader.
This framework is an original editorial methodology developed by DigitalNow.