RTÉ launches Clarity to combat disinformation

RTÉ has launched Clarity, a new type of coverage which aims to tackle disinformation across online media.

Articles marked with Clarity are intended to explain complex topics, "debunk deliberate attempts to distort reality" and examine the effect of online discourse on democracy.

"In a changing world, people are facing a barrage of claims and counter-claims," said Deirdre McCarthy, the Managing Director of RTÉ News and Current Affairs. "RTÉ Clarity will help equip the reader, the listener, the follower, the viewer, with accurate and impartial facts so you can judge for yourselves what the real story is."

Surveys carried out for the public service broadcaster found that 84% of respondents are concerned about disinformation, with 90% concerned about its impact on young people.

Coimisiún na Meán found in 2024 that 64% of Irish people were worried about differentiating between real and fake information.

"With so many information access points nowadays, the vast amounts of material can be overwhelming and challenging for audiences to make sense of it all," McCarthy said.

Clarity forms part of RTÉ's New Direction strategy (2025 - 2029), which includes "build a sustainable, trusted and responsible organisation" as one of five goals.