The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) has announced Angie Holan as its new Director.
This was made known in a statement signed by the president of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, Neil Brown, on Thursday, June 22, 2023.
Ms Holan, the editor-in-chief of PolitiFact, is replacing Baybars Örsek, who resigned in December.
“To ensure the ongoing impact of our work to fight misinformation worldwide, our organization needs continued innovation and strong leadership. That is why I am very pleased to announce Angie Drobnic Holan as the new director of the IFCN, effective immediately.”
Describing Ms Holan as the best fit for the job, part of the statement reads, “I cannot think of a better, more experienced choice than Angie to lead the IFCN. Angie is one of the pioneers of the modern fact-checking movement, having been one of the first staff members of PolitiFact when it won the Pulitzer Prize in 2009.”
This is coming on the eve of the 10th GlobalFact conference, from June 28 to 30, 2023, in Seoul, South Korea where Ms Holan will be welcomed into her new role.
The network’s program manager and interim director for the past six months, Ferdi Özsoy, was also announced as the deputy director.
“I am also pleased to promote Ferdi Ferhat Özsoy, IFCN’s program manager and interim director for the past six months, to the permanent role of deputy director.”
IFCN believes Ms Holan and Mr Özsoy, in addition to the ongoing expertise of Enock Nyariki, Deirdre Gonsalves, and Alanna Dvorak, will provide a breath of international experience, depth of the craft of fact-checking, and steadfast processes to support our growing community.
The Network based at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a Nobel Peace Prize-nominated organisation that supports fact-checkers who battle misinformation worldwide. The network’s community continues to grow and thrive, with 154 signatories.
The statement also noted that IFCN has successfully launched the $12-million USD Global Fact Check Fund to strengthen fact-checkers worldwide, with support from Google and YouTube.
