Fact-Checking Policy | MediaAtLife
Meta description: Learn how MediaAtLife verifies names, dates, quotations, social posts, images, rumours and entertainment news before publication.
MediaAtLife Fact-Checking Policy
Effective date: July 11, 2026
Last updated: July 11, 2026
MediaAtLife takes reasonable steps to verify factual information before publication.
The amount of checking required may depend on the seriousness of the claim, reliability of the original source, public interest and potential harm caused by an error.
What We Check
Before publishing, our writers and editors should verify important details such as:
- Names and spellings
- Ages, when relevant
- Dates and locations
- Show, movie and character titles
- Release and premiere dates
- Cast and production details
- Direct quotations
- Relationship or family claims
- Statements attributed to representatives
- Social media account ownership
- Whether an announcement is official
- Whether an image or video matches the event
- Whether a story is current or previously reported
Source Priority
We generally use the following source order:
- Direct statements and original documents
- Official websites and verified accounts
- Representatives authorised to speak for the subject
- Original interviews and recordings
- Established news and industry publications
- Reputable local or specialist reporting
- Secondary summaries and social media discussion
Anonymous posts, fan accounts, screenshots without context and copied captions are not treated as confirmation by themselves.
Verifying Social Media Content
Before relying on a social media post, we consider:
- Whether the account is official or verified
- Whether the account has a history connected to the subject
- Whether the post is original or reposted
- Whether the date and surrounding context are visible
- Whether the content may be satire, parody or impersonation
- Whether the post has been edited or deleted
- Whether another reliable source supports it
A blue verification badge alone does not establish that every claim is accurate.
Images and Video
Where necessary, we review visual material for:
- Original upload date
- Earlier appearances online
- Cropping or editing
- Incorrect captions
- Location clues
- Inconsistent audio
- Signs of synthetic or AI-generated content
- Whether the footage has been taken from a different event
We avoid presenting old footage as a new event.
Quotations and Interviews
Whenever possible, quotations are checked against:
- Original video
- Original audio
- A full transcript
- An official written statement
- The publication that conducted the interview
We do not rely only on a short viral clip when the missing context could change its meaning.
Rumours
A rumour may be discussed when it is already having a meaningful public impact, but it must be clearly labelled.
We explain:
- Where the rumour started
- What evidence is available
- What has not been confirmed
- Whether the subject has responded
- Why readers should treat the claim cautiously
We do not turn fan theories into factual headlines.
Breaking News
Initial reports may contain incomplete information.
For fast-developing stories, we may:
- Publish only the confirmed facts
- Label the article as developing
- Avoid precise claims that remain uncertain
- Update the article as new details are verified
- Correct earlier information transparently
Responsibility of Writers
Writers are expected to retain relevant source links, notes, screenshots, documents or recordings used to prepare a story.
Editors may request evidence before approving publication.
Reader Challenges
Readers may challenge a factual statement by contacting:
Please include the article URL and reliable evidence supporting the correction.
A disagreement with an opinion, interpretation or editorial judgement does not automatically mean a factual correction is required.