It can sometimes feel daunting to navigate and evaluate news sources for current events. The credibility and bias of news organizations vary widely. And as is the nature of news, there are sometimes not as many other sources to verify the information.
When evaluating a news article, there are a number of tools you can use to evaluate the information.
See below for more detailed information
We encounter news online through social media or scrolling online on a daily basis. These news articles often shape our perspectives of local, national and world events, therefore it is important that we think critically about this news before accepting the claims.
Whenever we find information that:
We should take a few moments to think critically about their claims.
One of my first steps is to check coverage in other news sources.
What do other national, international, or even local papers, magazines, or online news sources say?
Not only will you find other perspectives, but you may also notice red flags that were contradicted or not included in other more credible or reputable sources.
The news stories we encounter often confirm our own biases and worldview.
The news on our social media feeds or on sites such as Google or Apple News are often curated based on our interests and personal perspectives. We may not easily encounter perspectives or viewpoints counter to our own.
When we fail to seek out other perspectives we often fail to understand the full story.
Many news organizations are biased in their coverage. The bias does not mean that they are automatically unreliable, but it does mean you are missing a perspective.
Seek out coverage from a different viewpoint to best understand the issue.
Sources such as the ones below may help you to navigate different perspectives.
Professional fact-checkers often evaluate source credibility by leaving the source itself and looking elsewhere.
Instead of relying on an "About Us" section for honesty about a person or organization, do a quick Google search.
What do others say about this news organization or journalist? Are there red flags?
This is called Lateral Reading. It is an incredibly useful tool when evaluating the credibility of an individual or organization.
Many news organizations are credible and reliable in their journalistic approaches, however even the best reporters have to rely on sources, who are sometimes sharing misleading or false information.
No matter the news outlet, it is a good idea to think critically about the content of a news article. Use the acronym IMVAIN to help evaluate the sources in a news article.
I: Independent sources are better than self-interested sources
M: Multiple sources are better than single sources
V: Sources who Verify with evidence are better than sources who assert
A/I: Authoritative/Informed sources are better than uninformed sources
N: Named sources are better than unnamed sources
From the Stony Brook University Digital Resource Center at http://drc.centerfornewsliteracy.org/content/introducing-imvain
The following websites, ebooks, and databases are good tools and resources to evaluate news and information.
Fact Checking Sources
Tools and Resources for Fake News
Fake News and the Factories That Make It by 
Fake News and the Manipulation of Public Opinion by Expanded Perspectives
