In recent years disinformation has caused a lot of damage, both abroad and in Dutch society. The corona crisis has played an important role in this and accelerated the spread of fake news. However, the best way to combat this is by way of balanced, impartial and reliable reporting which is based on facts. This is also essential for a well-functioning democracy.
BENEDMO aims to prevent and combat the spread of disinformation in Flanders (Belgium) and the Netherlands. This initiative is part of a European network (EDMO) in which all European countries collaborate on disinformation. The Flemish-Dutch BENEDMO hub consists of a core of nine consortium partners, four associate partners, and a knowledge network of disinformation experts from various disciplines.
Multidisciplinary approach
BENEDMO adopts a multidisciplinary and cross-border approach, bringing together researchers, fact-checkers, media literacy professionals, and tech developers. Together, we work on the following activities:
1. Network
BENEDMO manages a network of disinformation experts, including fact-checkers, academics, media literacy professionals, tech developers, and other relevant societal actors. This network is strengthened through events, training sessions, and a newsletter, fostering the exchange of practical knowledge and scientific insights.
2. Fact-Checking
BENEDMO develops new research methods and tools to detect disinformation campaigns at an early stage in Flanders, the Netherlands, and other EU countries. To mitigate the impact of disinformation, BENEDMO partners collaborate across borders to create and publish fact-checks and journalistic contributions for a broad audience.
3. Research and Policy Analysis
BENEDMO monitors the impact of new policy measures, such as the Code of Practice on Disinformation. Additionally, the hub conducts research on the influence of emerging technologies, such as generative AI, on the spread of disinformation. It also explores opportunities these technologies offer to detect disinformation more effectively.
4. Media Literacy
BENEDMO launches targeted campaigns on news literacy for education in Flanders and the Netherlands, updates educational packages (Eduboxes on AI and disinformation) for secondary schools, and by means of a structured dialogue with relevant civil society actors, translates these efforts into relevant interventions for vulnerable groups and the broader public. In 2026, BENEDMO will organize a Media Literacy Summit to assess the state of media, digital, and news literacy in the Low Countries.
Consortiumpartners
Bellingcat, Beeld & Geluid, Textgain, Universiteit Leiden, Universiteit Amsterdam, Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau, Mediawijs
Associate Partners
Knack, Pointer, Netwerk Mediawijsheid (kennispartner), deCheckers
BENEDMO in practice at Sound & Vision
Sound & Vision is the coordinator of the project and will ensure that project results find their way to the international network. Sound & Vision also works closely with Network Media Literacy (Netwerk Mediawijsheid) in developing workshops aimed at journalists and other media professionals. And with scientists in incorporating factchecking tools into the CLARIAH research infrastructure for the humanities and social sciences.