From Bon Appétit · The Bon Appétit Staff · · 2m
What My Job Is Like as a Fact Checker at Bon Appétit
Ryan Harrington, Bon Appétit's research director, explains fact-checking, his career shift from surgery to food media, and AI's role in journalism.
In brief
Ryan Harrington, Bon Appétit's research director, explains fact-checking, his career shift from surgery to food media, and AI's role in journalism. Ryan Harrington, Bon Appétit's research director, shares how fact-checking ensures accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and legal compliance in food media. Originally reported…
Quick answers
- What is Fact Checking?
- At Bon Appétit, every story or recipe goes through multiple edits and research reviews to ensure accuracy.
- What is the key takeaway from What My Job Is Like as a Fact Checker at Bon Appétit?
- Ryan Harrington, Bon Appétit's research director, shares how fact-checking ensures accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and legal compliance in food media.
What is Fact Checking?
At Bon Appétit, every story or recipe goes through multiple edits and research reviews to ensure accuracy.
Information Accuracy Checks
Fact checkers verify spelling, menu descriptions, source credibility, and quoted individuals' portrayals for truthfulness.
Cultural Sensitivity
Research honors diverse experiences by giving people a platform without making it a spectacle.
Legal Concerns
The research team handles libel, copyright, food safety, and source protection to avoid legal issues.
Ryan's Background
Ryan Harrington earned a chemistry bachelor’s and worked in thoracic surgery before switching to food media.
Career Shift to Food Media
Ryan pursued food media through NYU’s Food Studies program and interned at Food & Wine.
Work Experience
Ryan worked at Travel & Leisure, Lucky Peach, and a brewery during the pandemic.
Five Years at Bon Appétit
Ryan has been Bon Appétit’s research director for five years.
Teaching at NYU
Ryan teaches food studies at NYU, focusing on audience understanding.
Research Fellowship
Ryan started a research fellowship program for students to gain real-world media experience.
Favorite Stories
Ryan enjoys deep dives into food processes, like how Dr. Arielle Johnson makes chocolate.
Wine Challenges
Wine coverage requires handling specific terminology, international regulations, and foreign spellings.
Rabbit Hole Story
Ryan found a historic lesbian bar in San Diego through archival research and interviews.
Favorite Recipe
Ryan makes Shilpa Uskokovic’s French Onion Tart most often for its simplicity and flavor.
Sandwich Trivia
New York defines sandwiches broadly, including hot dogs and burritos, while Massachusetts rules burritos aren’t sandwiches.
AI in Journalism
Ryan uses AI transcription to save time but verifies results manually for accuracy.
Kitchen Tool
Ryan uses an immersion blender for smooth, spill-free cooking tasks.
The headline
Ryan Harrington, Bon Appétit's research director, shares how fact-checking ensures accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and legal compliance in food media.
.jpg)
