Poynter expands global teaching program, appoints Örsek director of international programming

Baybars Örsek, the director of Poynter’s International Fact-Checking Network will now also be shepherding the helm of Poynter’s global training programs as the new director of international programming.

Last month, Poynter announced an expansion of its educational initiatives globally in partnership with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting. The collaboration aims to deliver fact-checking and journalism training in more than 25 countries including Tunisia, Bolivia, Pakistan and Myanmar.

Poynter president Neil Brown said:

“As director of the IFCN, Baybars has energetically expanded Poynter’s global footprint and personally connected with fact-checkers in more than 100 countries.

“Promoting Baybars to oversee Poynter’s international efforts — in addition to the IFCN’s vital fact-checking programs — will mean ambitious, holistic training for new and evolving journalism organizations in countries with varying levels of press freedom. Baybars will bring great insights, connections and expertise as Poynter supports journalists and citizens worldwide.”

Under Örsek’s leadership, the IFCN updated its Code of Principles, the global standard for fact-checking, and expanded the number of verified signatories from 60 to 90.

The IFCN also organized the first virtual Global Fact conference, attracting 6,000 viewers and hundreds of speakers across 16 time zones.

Örsek’s also stewarded more than $3 million in grants which allowed IFCN to directly support the innovation of both established and upstart fact-checking organizations around the world.

Örsek commented:

“Poynter is a brand that has a strong value and recognition all around the world. “I’m motivated to leverage our longstanding expertise through new international programming, teaching, partnerships and experience sharing opportunities for American journalists and their peers from different parts of the world.

I’m humbled to lead Poynter’s international efforts and build it as a centerpiece for the Institute’s vision of being the place where citizens, journalists, educators and community leaders gather to figure out how journalism can address the world’s most pressing issues.”

Poynter president Neil Brown said:

“As director of the IFCN, Baybars has energetically expanded Poynter’s global footprint and personally connected with fact-checkers in more than 100 countries.

“Promoting Baybars to oversee Poynter’s international efforts — in addition to the IFCN’s vital fact-checking programs — will mean ambitious, holistic training for new and evolving journalism organizations in countries with varying levels of press freedom. Baybars will bring great insights, connections and expertise as Poynter supports journalists and citizens worldwide.”