The Fight For Truth is on: BBC pulls back the curtain on the fight against disinformation

The film, narrated by Clive Myrie and featuring a number of well-known BBC journalists such as Lyse Doucet, Fiona Bruce and Orla Guerin, underscores the vital role of journalism in safeguarding truth and integrity in today’s news landscape.

The film speaks directly to those spreading disinformation and unfolds in three distinct sections. Opening with a portrayal of the chaos and confusion sown by disinformation, moving on to the efforts of BBC journalists navigating the struggles caused by this, finally concluding on a steely tone of defiance.

Read more: It’s about trust: Public service media and disinformation

“Disinformation, you think you’re winning”

Shifting from images of AI deepfakes and footage of climate change and Covid-19 deniers to scenes from the Southport riots and speculation surrounding the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, the film captures the widespread nature of the problem.

“The more you try to drown out reality, the harder we’ll work to establish the facts”

Focus is then repositioned to showcase the unyielding efforts of BBC journalists who navigate the challenging terrain. Viewers are taken behind the scenes to witness the rigorous methods employed by BBC News to identify and counter misleading information.

“It’s the pursuit of truth that gives us our calling”

The film concludes on a resolute note, reaffirming BBC News’ pledge to uphold the highest standards of journalism.

On the front lines of this fight is BBC Verify. Setting the standard for transparent journalism, this team of 60 journalists, including the likes of Marianna Spring and Ros Atkins, was established in 2023 and uses the latest tools and technology to explain to viewers not just what BBC News knows but how they know it.

Deborah Turness, CEO, BBC News says: “At BBC News we are leading the global fight against disinformation. This film captures the lengths we go to in the “Pursuit of Truth” – from difficult and dangerous environments to deploying tools and technology that help us verify the facts. We are proud to be the world’s most trusted news provider, and I hope this film shows just how hard we work, each and every day, to earn the trust of our audiences”.

Charl Bassil, Chief Brand Officer, BBC says: “A big part of the reason I joined the BBC was to be involved in initiatives that matter to so many of us and it is a genuine privilege to work alongside colleagues who are deeply committed to doing the right thing. This campaign speaks to the BBC’s mission to deliver accurate, impartial news globally and illustrates our commitment to pursuing the truth in an age of disinformation. It feels timely and a fitting message for the times we all find ourselves in. After all, this is Our BBC.”

Digital out of home posters will be positioned across the UK, featuring segments of BBC News reports overlaid with “disinformation splits society with lies… we piece together the truth” paired with socials, radio and BBC iPlayer content which will play out from 2 October.

The film will play on 2 October following the BBC News at 10.

The film was created by BBC Creative, the BBC’s BAFTA-award winning in-house creative agency, and is the second in a brand campaign series for the BBC which seeks to demonstrate how the BBC earns people’s trust.