2026-04-16
Verification and Data Journalism Training for Journalism Students
As part of the Investigative Journalism course at the Faculty of Communication of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, journalism students met with investigative journalist, fact-checker, and media expert Asel Sooronbaeva. The session, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Bakytbek Orunbekov, focused on contemporary practices in investigative journalism, verification processes, and data-driven reporting.
Focus on Verification, Access to Information, and Analysis
Asel Sooronbaeva, who has carried out significant work in combating disinformation and advancing fact-checking journalism in Kyrgyzstan, is the founder and editor-in-chief of CheckitMedia, a platform that brings together various media organizations for collaborative verification efforts. She has also conducted research on media manipulation and public procurement oversight, and previously worked as an editor at Factcheck.kg.
During the session, students were introduced to verification methods, open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools, data comparison techniques, and analytical thinking skills. Special attention was paid to how journalists can access information legally and ethically. In addition, real-world examples of investigative journalism were used to demonstrate the tools and methods in practice.
Students Put Theory into Practice
The practical part of the session focused on the use of open data in journalism. Students learned how to search public databases, verify official records, and turn data into compelling news stories. They were also shown how to effectively use digital data resources provided by government institutions.
The event was attended by second- and third-year journalism students. Asel Sooronbaeva highlighted the high quality of education at the university, noting that the Faculty of Communication at KTMU prepares highly qualified and well-equipped communication professionals. She also emphasized that engaging industry professionals in the classroom helps create a strong learning environment that effectively bridges theory and practice.
