Fact Check: FAU Researchers Verify Information in ZDF Election Broadcasts
What’s Behind It? FAU Prof. Dr. Petra Bendel Explains
On the evenings of February 13 and 20, election broadcasts are scheduled to air on ZDF, where human rights expert Prof. Dr. Petra Bendel and colleagues from the FAU research area on Migration, Flight, and Integration will serve as fact-checkers. In this interview, she describes how fact-checking actually works.
Ms. Bendel, how exactly does fact-checking work? What is examined during such a broadcast? What tools do you use, and do you do this alone?
Petra Bendel: The fact-checking process for ZDF operates via a direct line to the editorial team. The questions to be checked can either come from us or be assigned as a “task” by the editorial team—depending on who first identifies a statement that needs verification. Of course, simply googling is not enough; we need rigorously researched data. That’s why we prepare briefings in advance with facts, facts, facts on the most important topics and conduct further in-depth research as necessary.
I was personally invited to participate, but I find it particularly productive to approach this as a team effort within my research area on Migration, Flight, and Integration at the Institute for Political Science. We have a highly motivated team with specialists focusing on different subtopics. Some colleagues work primarily on labor migration, while others focus on refugee rights or local integration and can provide rapid insights. Other researchers who have been asked to participate in additional broadcasts may, however, conduct the fact-checking on their own.
Can you prepare for this?
Petra Bendel: Absolutely! We anticipate some key questions that have repeatedly come up in the election campaign, such as whether border rejections comply with European law or what trends are emerging in migration figures. We have the latest data on skilled labor immigration and the question of whether municipalities are truly overburdened. We are well-versed in the rights of those seeking protection, recent legislative changes, and how other countries handle migration and asylum. Additionally, we have access to key databases for any unforeseen questions that may arise.
What is the biggest challenge for a fact-checker?
Petra Bendel: I believe the challenge lies not only in verifying facts but also in contextualizing them through longitudinal and cross-sectional comparisons—while remaining concise and precise without oversimplifying. This is a fundamental aspect of science communication and requires a bit of practice.
Thank you, Ms. Bendel!
Fact Check: FAU Researchers Verify Information in ZDF Election Broadcasts
What’s Behind It? FAU Prof. Dr. Petra Bendel Explains
On the evenings of February 13 and 20, election broadcasts are scheduled to air on ZDF, where human rights expert Prof. Dr. Petra Bendel and colleagues from the FAU research area on Migration, Flight, and Integration will serve as fact-checkers. In this interview, she describes how fact-checking actually works.
Ms. Bendel, how exactly does fact-checking work? What is examined during such a broadcast? What tools do you use, and do you do this alone?
Petra Bendel: The fact-checking process for ZDF operates via a direct line to the editorial team. The questions to be checked can either come from us or be assigned as a “task” by the editorial team—depending on who first identifies a statement that needs verification. Of course, simply googling is not enough; we need rigorously researched data. That’s why we prepare briefings in advance with facts, facts, facts on the most important topics and conduct further in-depth research as necessary.
I was personally invited to participate, but I find it particularly productive to approach this as a team effort within my research area on Migration, Flight, and Integration at the Institute for Political Science. We have a highly motivated team with specialists focusing on different subtopics. Some colleagues work primarily on labor migration, while others focus on refugee rights or local integration and can provide rapid insights. Other researchers who have been asked to participate in additional broadcasts may, however, conduct the fact-checking on their own.
Can you prepare for this?
Petra Bendel: Absolutely! We anticipate some key questions that have repeatedly come up in the election campaign, such as whether border rejections comply with European law or what trends are emerging in migration figures. We have the latest data on skilled labor immigration and the question of whether municipalities are truly overburdened. We are well-versed in the rights of those seeking protection, recent legislative changes, and how other countries handle migration and asylum. Additionally, we have access to key databases for any unforeseen questions that may arise.
What is the biggest challenge for a fact-checker?
Petra Bendel: I believe the challenge lies not only in verifying facts but also in contextualizing them through longitudinal and cross-sectional comparisons—while remaining concise and precise without oversimplifying. This is a fundamental aspect of science communication and requires a bit of practice.
Thank you, Ms. Bendel!