In preparation for the 2024 US Presidential Election, the BBC will launch BBC Verify US, a dedicated unit to counter disinformation.
The new US unit, based out of Washington D.C., will use a range of forensic investigative skills and open-source intelligence capabilities.
Jamie Chambers, vice president, advertising and BBC news distribution, ANZ at BBC Studios told Mediaweek that the US election is one of the biggest stories of the year, and resonates in Australia.
“Our expanded presence in the US and our breadth of coverage means that the BBC is perfectly placed to connect these events with our Australian audiences,” he said.
“We know that Australians turn to the BBC at times of global importance, and these are also key moments for advertisers across our platforms.
“Brands can safely capitalise on these unique levels of engagement thanks to our developed approach to brand safety, that leverages rigorous editorial controls together with smart technology.
“Combined with the newly launched BBC.com and BBC app products, audiences and advertisers will benefit from an enhanced and more integrated experience when following this key story.”
During the 2016 US Election, Australians were looking for US election results at twice the rate than Australia’s own election on Google. At the last US election in 2020, BBC.com saw over 3.7m unique visitors for its US Election coverage.
Led by Ros Atkins, BBC News’ analysis editor, the BBC Verify US coverage will be digital-first as the team will examine videos, analyse data, and distil complex stories to uncover the truth.
In Australia, the BBC News channel is available on Foxtel, Fetch and Flash. The channel’s chief presenters Caitríona Perry and Sumi Somaskanda will anchor the BBC’s coverage stateside as well as host conversations and insights into foreign policy and the global consequences of major election moments.
Senior journalists Helena Humphrey and Carl Nasman will report from across the US, giving audiences an inside look at the issues impacting the election. The channel will also feature work by the BBC Verify US team.
See also: BBC First landing on Sky NZ in October 2024 for lovers of premium drama