How to choose your news - Damon Brown

Evaluating News and Information

The internet offers an enormous range of news and viewpoints, but limited time makes it important to choose and evaluate information carefully. News once came mainly through a small number of established outlets. Scandals involving governments and the media weakened trust in those gatekeepers, while alternative media and the internet expanded the sources available—and the potential for conflicting claims.

To get closer to the truth:

• Seek original sources when possible, such as studies, speeches, and firsthand reporting, rather than relying only on others’ interpretations.
• Be cautious with breaking news. In fast-moving crises, continuous coverage can spread errors and false accusations. Check for updates periodically and allow time for facts to be confirmed.
• Compare coverage across outlets with different reporters and sources to spot differences and build a fuller picture.
• Distinguish facts from opinions or speculation. Qualifying words such as “probably” can signal uncertainty, and anonymous sources may be unreliable or have motives.
• Verify before sharing. Search for context and corroboration, especially when a claim seems outrageous.

Greater freedom from media gatekeepers also means greater responsibility: readers must curate their news carefully so that more information leads to better understanding, not overload.

Presenter/contributor: Damon Brown