Croatian fact-checking in the context of the Mediterranean media system: Actors, standards, and practices of fact-checkers under the Točno tako platform

This article examines the fact-checking ecosystem in Croatia using the comparative media systems theory. Twenty-one fact-checking projects under the Točno tako platform were analysed through content analysis of their websites. The analysis is operationalized within the framework of media systems theory, and systematically codes published materials related to stated missions, declared methodologies, financial and organizational transparency, and compliance with recognized international standards, such as the European Fact-Checking Standards Network.The results of the analysis, conducted independently by three researchers, show that the Croatian fact-checking ecosystem reflects several characteristics associated with the Mediterranean media systems: a predominance of NGO models with several variations, significant diversity in transparency and methodology, and significant variation in adherence to international standards, with only a minority of projects fully meeting EFCSN criteria. The analysis identifies points of alignment with and divergence from the typical Mediterranean media systems, providing empirical insights into their development and sustainability in the context of fact-checking. The findings reveal that this ecosystem exhibits certain features of the Mediterranean model, but also new hybrid forms due to convergence with the EU policies.