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HSS 495 - Senior Research & Writing Seminar: Real News

Breaking News Reminders

  • In the immediate aftermath, news outlets will get it wrong. They want to be the first to report, but do not always have 100% of the information yet. 
  • Do not trust anonymous sources. 
  • Do not trust stories that cite other news sources as their source of information. This means they are not doing original reporting or the investigation themselves. 
  • Pay attention to the language being used:
    • "We are getting reports"..this could mean anything
    • "We are seeking confirmation" ...means they do not yet know for sure what they are reporting is true
  • Look for news outlet close to the incident
  • Compare multiple sources
  • Big news brings out the fakers and photoshoppers
  • Beware of reflexive sharing/tweeting!

Newspaper Databases

Free News Sources