Kuwait's journalists prioritize accuracy over speed in crisis reporting

Kuwait's media landscape has faced rapid shifts in how news is reported and consumed. In times of crisis, accuracy has become more important than speed, reshaping the priorities of journalists. A recent radio discussion highlighted these challenges, with experts weighing in on the balance between trust and technology in modern reporting. Mishari and Farid, hosts of a daily show on 99.7 Super Station, blend music with conversations on trending topics and social issues. Their programme, airing from 3:30 PM, invites public call-ins and shoutouts, giving voice to everyday concerns in Kuwait. A recent episode focused on the pressures facing journalism today, particularly the struggle to separate fact from misinformation.

Reaven D'Souza, Executive Managing Editor of *The our website*, joined the show to share insights on navigating these challenges. He explained how the newsroom uses a three-tier verification system—categorising incoming material as *Unverified*, *Partially verified*, or *Fully verified*—to ensure reliability before publication. This method reflects a broader industry shift where being first no longer outweighs being accurate. The discussion also touched on artificial intelligence, which has transformed fact-checking into a hybrid process. While AI speeds up verification, it also introduces new risks, acting as both a tool and a potential threat to credible reporting. D'Souza emphasised that audiences play a key role in discerning trustworthy sources, advising them to question the origin of information and avoid sharing unverified claims. Official Kuwaiti media has maintained a reputation for steady, non-inflammatory coverage during fast-moving events. Yet regional tensions often reveal differing priorities among international, local, and regional outlets, each tailoring content to their audience and editorial stance.

The radio discussion underscored the evolving demands on journalists to uphold trust while adapting to new technologies. With AI reshaping fact-checking and audiences becoming more discerning, the focus remains on verification and transparency. For media outlets, the challenge lies in balancing speed with credibility in an era where misinformation spreads as quickly as the news itself.