Beyond the hype: Using generative AI tools for fact-checking, source finding and general research
Can you trust that statistic? Did they really say that? And where did that ‘fact’ actually come from? Renee and Anne show how Perplexity and Gemini Notebook can help writers and editors find, interrogate and verify information – without outsourcing their judgement to AI.
Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
Time: 18:00–19:30 (Central African Time: GMT +02:00)
Presenters: Renee Moodie and Anne Taylor
Platform: Online (Zoom)
Level: Beginner/introductory
Prerequisites/foundational knowledge: None
CPD hours: The duration of this webinar in this series is 1.5 hours. PEG members will earn CPD hours according to the criteria published on the PEG website. Attendees of the live presentation will receive a certificate confirming their attendance and the duration of the webinar. Those who are unable to attend the webinar live may submit their receipt as proof of having received the recording.
Pre-webinar materials: None.
Recording and PowerPoint slides: Everyone who registers for a webinar will receive a recording of the event and copies of the PowerPoint slides (if applicable) afterwards.
About the webinar
In this practical, largely unscripted session, Renee and Anne put two generative AI tools, Perplexity and Gemini Notebook, through their paces using the kinds of questions writers and editors may encounter in their work.
They’ll show how to chase a statistic back to its original source, test a widely repeated quotation, investigate conflicting information and work with a collection of sources.
The aim is to use AI to do research quickly and effectively, while keeping editorial judgement firmly switched on.
About our facilitators
A thought leadership writer and editor, Renee’s analytical approach, her ability to simplify complex topics, and her genuine enthusiasm for technology make her an exceptional guide in the world of AI.
Anne has been an independent writer and editor since 2008, building a strong reputation for her user-focused approach to content creation and her deep understanding of the South African digital media landscape.
Their favourite trainee comment? “The tannies are tops!”
Cost
| Affiliation | Early-bird registration fee1 | Full registration2 |
|---|---|---|
| PEG members | R295 | R380 |
| Members of affiliate organisations3 | R400 | R500 |
| Non-affiliated members | R500 | R600 |
1Early-bird registration fee: Before or on Monday, 2 November 2026
2Between Tuesday,3 November 2026 and Tuesday, 10 November 2026
3Professional Journalists’ Association of South Africa (ProJourn), Southern African Freelancers’ Association (SAFREA), South African Science Journalists’ Association (SASJA), the South African Translators’ Institute (SATI), Publishers’ Association of South Africa (PASA), Society of English-language professionals in the Netherlands (SENSE), Institute of Professional Editors Limited (IPEd), Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) and Nordic Editors and Translators (NEaT).
Take advantage of the early-bird special: save money and secure your spot at this webinar by registering early!
Please register by completing and emailing the webinar administrator.
Deadline for registrations: Tuesday, 10 November 2026.