Glenn Kessler: Fact-Checking in a World of Misinformation

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For more than 15 years, Glenn Kessler led "The Fact Checker" team at The Washington Post, examining politicians' claims and researching the facts behind those claims. By providing detailed findings and ratings ("Pinocchios") of the truthfulness of claims, "The Fact Checker" freed its readers from the traditional journalistic approach of simply publishing dueling quotes of rival politicians. However, as of 2025, "The Fact Checker" column has ended. What happened, and what are the prospects for journalists to carry on this work?

Mr. Kessler will be interviewed by Joel Achenbach, former staff writer/science journalist at The Washington Post. The National Capital Area Skeptics will be honoring Mr. Kessler with the 2026 Philip J. Klass Award for outstanding contributions in promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding. The Klass Award was also presented to Mr. Achenbach in 2011.

Founded in 1987, the National Capital Area Skeptics is an independent 501(c)3 not-for-profit, educational, and scientific membership organization that promotes critical thinking and scientific understanding. More information about the National Capital Area Skeptics can be found at ncas.org.