Boosting trust in online media by instantly informing users about conflicts of interest

The WiseReader project aims to develop a browser extension that reveals potential conflicts of interest in news articles, empowering users to assess the trustworthiness of news sources.

Subsidie
€ 150.000
2023

Projectdetails

Introduction

Trust in mainstream media has been declining steadily across the world. The trend is fueled by the perception that news companies are not truly independent but serve the interests of owners, advertisers, or creditors. Many media outlets insulate editorial decisions from external pressures, but ordinary citizens have no means to know.

Problem Statement

Hence, distrust in a few “bad apples” risks extending to the entire industry. The WiseReader project aims to tackle this problem.

Project Overview

Based on research carried out under the Starting Grant project MIRAGE, it proposes to create a web browser extension that allows online users to learn about the potential conflicts of interest faced by the news outlets.

Functionality

The extension will:

  1. Identify companies and individuals featured in a news article.
  2. Highlight relevant connections between them and the news outlet.
  3. Display the results using an intuitive system of coloured flags.
  4. Offer comprehensive information about these connections on a dedicated website.

Objectives

The project aims to empower ordinary citizens, allowing them to discern what news sources and stories ought to be trusted.

Potential Impact

It may also allow quality news outlets to distinguish themselves from others and improve their reputation and traffic.

Financiële details & Tijdlijn

Financiële details

Subsidiebedrag€ 150.000
Totale projectbegroting€ 150.000

Tijdlijn

Startdatum1-7-2023
Einddatum31-12-2024
Subsidiejaar2023

Partners & Locaties

Projectpartners

  • UNIVERSIDAD POMPEU FABRApenvoerder
  • FUNDACIO PRIVADA BARCELONA GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS

Land(en)

Spain

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