taz Newspaper Answers 250 Children’s Questions – A Lesson in Journalism & Fact-Checking
Berlin, Germany – In a heartwarming and insightful demonstration of journalistic dedication, the German newspaper taz has reached a milestone: answering nearly 250 questions posed directly by children. This isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a revealing look at how a news organization approaches complex topics, verifies information, and embraces the power of genuine curiosity – a process increasingly vital in today’s fast-paced, often misleading, news landscape. This is breaking news for anyone interested in the future of journalism and media literacy.
From Mermaids to Buffalo: The Questions That Drive Inquiry
The questions themselves are a fascinating window into the minds of young people. Forget simple queries; taz has tackled everything from the existential (“Why is there poverty in the world?” “What causes wars?”) to the delightfully specific (“How do mermaids pee?” “How fat is the back of a buffalo?”). These aren’t questions easily answered with a quick Google search, and that’s precisely the point. The newspaper’s five-year commitment to this project highlights a dedication to thorough investigation and clear explanation.
Image: A buffalo, illustrating one of the children’s surprisingly specific questions.
The Journalist’s Toolkit: Asking the Right People
“If you don’t know anything, who do you ask? Best someone who could know,” explains a taz journalist involved in the project. This simple philosophy underpins their entire approach. When faced with the question of buffalo back-fat, the team didn’t rely on speculation. They contacted a farmer who actually raises buffalo, who meticulously measured the animals – revealing widths of up to 80 centimeters for cows and even more for bulls. This illustrates a core tenet of good journalism: direct sourcing and empirical evidence.
This process extends to more complex topics. Questions about nature and space require consultation with scientists, while inquiries about the human body lead to interviews with doctors. It’s a reminder that expertise isn’t readily available online and that credible sources are essential.
Navigating the Information Age: Fact-Checking in a World of “Nonsense”
The taz project also offers a valuable lesson in media literacy. The team acknowledges the abundance of information available online, but cautions against blindly accepting everything at face value. When a child asked how one kicks a barrel, a preliminary internet search revealed a curious tradition in Saxony-Anhalt: kicking old beer barrels for miles. But the journalists didn’t stop there. They verified the claim by contacting residents of the village, confirming the tradition and the specific technique – kicking with the flat sole of the foot.
Image: A depiction of the barrel-kicking tradition in Saxony-Anhalt.
“Before we write something in the newspaper, we have to be sure that it is true,” they emphasize. “We always have to ask ourselves whether the person who writes something can really know.” This is a crucial skill for everyone to develop, especially in an era of “fake news” and misinformation. Understanding source credibility and employing critical thinking are paramount.
The Power of Curiosity and the Future of News
The taz’s commitment to answering children’s questions isn’t just about providing answers; it’s about fostering a culture of curiosity and demonstrating the value of rigorous journalism. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly simple questions can lead to profound insights and that the pursuit of truth requires dedication, resourcefulness, and a willingness to challenge assumptions. This initiative serves as a powerful example of how news organizations can engage with their audience, promote media literacy, and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. The ongoing project promises to continue offering valuable lessons for journalists and citizens alike, and will undoubtedly shape the way we approach information for years to come.
