This page tells you exactly how Gegenwart24 fact-checks every article, so you can trust what you read and know what to do if you spot something wrong. Use it to understand our verification process, our source standards, and how to report an error.
What does this fact-checking policy mean for you, the reader?
It means that every piece of journalism you see on Gegenwart24 has been checked by at least two people and verified against reliable sources before publication. We take accuracy seriously because your trust is the foundation of our work.
When you read an article on gegenwart24.de, you can expect that factual claims – whether about Swedish politics, economic data, or cultural events – have been traced to their original source. Our fact-checking team, led by Helena Graf, reviews material before it goes live and investigates any concerns raised afterwards. If we make a mistake, we correct it promptly and transparently, as set out in our corrections policy.
What do we verify?
We verify every factual claim that appears in our articles, including statistics, direct quotations, dates, names, legal references, and any statement presented as objective fact. Opinion pieces and analysis are clearly labelled as such, but even those must contain no unverified factual assertions.
Our reporters check official documents, government databases, press releases from recognised institutions, and primary sources such as the Swedish National Audit Office, Statistics Sweden (SCB), and the Riksdag’s public records. Interviews are recorded or transcribed. We do not publish information based solely on anonymous sources unless the story is of clear public interest and the source’s identity is known to senior editors.
How do we decide which sources to trust?
We follow a clear hierarchy of source reliability, detailed on our Sources & Standards page. At the top are primary sources – official data, government publications, peer‑reviewed research, and original documents. Next come reputable secondary sources such as established news agencies, academic institutions, and recognised industry reports.
If a claim cannot be traced to a primary or strong secondary source, we either omit it or clearly attribute it to a named person or organisation with their context. We never fabricate sources or invent supporting evidence. Our fact-checkers also assess the track record and potential bias of any source, especially when covering sensitive political or economic topics.
How do we handle rumours and unverified claims?
Rumours, speculation, and unverified claims are clearly labelled as such when they are reported in the public interest – for example, during a developing news event. We will always state that the information is unconfirmed and explain why we are mentioning it.
We do not repeat rumours for their own sake. Any unverified claim must be accompanied by a reason for its inclusion, such as its viral nature or its relevance to a policy debate. The label “unverified” or “rumoured” appears prominently, and readers can see our ongoing efforts to get confirmation. Once a claim is confirmed or disproved, we update the article and note the change.
Who oversees our fact-checking?
Our dedicated fact-checking lead, Helena Graf (Ansvarig för faktagranskning), oversees all verification processes and has the authority to delay publication if sources are insufficient. She works alongside the editor‑in‑chief, Christian Müller, and the newsroom chief, Christina Zimmermann.
For articles that touch on particularly sensitive topics – such as electoral integrity, public health, or financial markets – the Standards Lead personally reviews the sourcing and may request additional verification before approval. Our full editorial team is listed on the Our Team page, and every article carries the name of the writer and the reviewing editor.
How this works in practice
Let’s take a concrete example. In a recent article about Swedish inflation, our economy reporter Anna Roth used a figure from Statistics Sweden’s monthly consumer price index. She downloaded the official PDF, cross‑checked the number against the agency’s data portal, and noted the release date. The editor then asked the fact‑check team to verify that the figure had not been revised in a later release. Helena Graf confirmed it was the latest available. The article was published with a direct link to the SCB page. If a subsequent revision had appeared, we would have updated the article and added a correction note.
This process applies to every claim, from major policy announcements to minor background details. No piece of information is considered too small to check.
How is our fact-checking operation funded and kept independent?
Gegenwart24 is owned by Gegenwart24 Media Ltd., a private company registered in Gibraltar (company number C 92009, Malta Business Registry). Our funding comes from display advertising, affiliate links, commercial partnerships, sponsored content, newsletter sponsorships, and content licensing – all of which are clearly labelled. No commercial relationship ever determines editorial conclusions or fact‑checking decisions.
The fact‑checking team reports directly to the editor‑in‑chief, not to any commercial department. Our independence is further protected by a formal separation between editorial and advertising teams, as detailed in our Editorial Policy and Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure.
How can you report a potential error?
If you believe an article contains a factual mistake, we want to know. Please email our fact‑checking team directly at factcheck@gegenwart24.de. Provide the article URL, a clear description of the error, and your source for the correct information if available.
We take every report seriously. The fact‑check team will acknowledge receipt within 48 hours and investigate promptly. If an error is confirmed, we follow the process set out in our Corrections Policy – including updating the article, adding a correction notice, and, where appropriate, issuing a formal retraction. Anonymous reports are accepted but may be harder to verify.
In short
Gegenwart24 verifies every factual claim in its journalism using primary and reputable secondary sources, with a dedicated fact‑checking lead reviewing sensitive articles. If we get something wrong, we correct it openly and welcome your reports at factcheck@gegenwart24.de.