Craig Silverman joins the School of Journalism as Verification Expert in Residence
The School of Journalism welcomes Craig Silverman (external link) , an award-winning journalist, as their 2022-23 Verification Expert in Residence. His appointment is supported thanks to a generous donation from the Reader's Digest Foundation of Canada.
Silverman is a reporter for ProPublica and is one of the world’s leading experts on online disinformation, fake news and digital investigations.
At ProPublica, he investigates voting, platforms, disinformation, and online manipulation. He's also editor of the European Journalism Centre’s Verification Handbook series. Silverman previously served as media editor of BuzzFeed News, where he pioneered coverage of digital disinformation and media manipulation.
His journalism and books have been honoured by the Mirror Awards, U.S. National Press Club, National Magazine Awards (Canada), and Crime Writers of Canada.
He is a recurring visitor at the School of Journalism and this fall semester he will be teaching JRN 315: Investigative Reporting. As the course focuses on digital investigations, “Verification will be integrated into everything we do,” Silverman says.
In his role as Verification Expert in Residence, Chair Dr. Ravindra Mohabeer says Silverman will also be consulting with the faculty on developing curriculum and building expertise in teaching verification methods.
Mohabeer adds that Silverman will work with masthead instructors on teaching verification and present stand-alone workshops open to all journalism students. He “Is also available to speak to undergraduate and graduate reporting courses about digital investigations and verification principles, methodologies and practices for journalists.”
While Silverman has given plenty of workshops for newsrooms around the world, this will be his first opportunity to bring the material into a university course.
He says, “It’s really exciting to think about how students will apply the mindset, tools, and techniques. I’m also really looking forward to engaging with and learning from students, faculty and staff in the department. I get to teach, but I know I’m also going to learn a ton!”