News Basics
What is a news outlet?
A news outlet is a platform or organization that delivers news, like TV stations, websites, or newspapers.
What does “bias” in the media mean?
Bias in the media refers to a preference that affects how news is reported.
What makes a news source "reliable"?
A reliable news source is accurate, unbiased, and trustworthy, backed by facts.
What does "media literacy" mean?
Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media content effectively.
What is "fake news"?
Fake news is false or misleading information presented as news
What does "breaking news" refer to?
"Breaking news" is information about an event happening right now, typically delivered immediately.
What is confirmation bias?
Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs.
Why is peer-reviewed research considered a reliable source?
Peer-reviewed research is reviewed by experts in the field, which shows credibility and accuracy
What is the first step to verifying the truth of a news story?
The first step is to check the source’s credibility and look for evidence supporting the story.
What are some common signs of fake news?
Signs include sensational headlines, lack of sources, and emotional or biased language.
What is the difference between a headline and a subheadline?
A headline is the main title of a story, while a subheadline provides additional details or context under it.
How does framing bias affect news coverage?
Framing bias influences how a story is presented, affecting how viewers understand the issue.
What is the importance of fact-checking in ensuring a source is reliable?
Fact-checking ensures that the information is true and not misleading
Why is it important to identify the author of an article?
Identifying the author helps determine their skills and credibility of the information.
What is "clickbait" and how does it relate to fake news?
Clickbait uses exaggerated or misleading headlines to attract attention and increase clicks, often leading to fake news.
What is a press release?
A press release is an official statement issued to the media to share information about a company, event, or person.
What is partisan bias?
Partisan bias is when news coverage favors a particular political party or ideology.
How do experts verify the credibility of a source?
Experts check the source’s background, references, and consistency with other trusted sources.
How can you tell if a news website is credible?
A credible website has a clear author, reliable sources, and factual content.
How does sensationalism contribute to fake news?
Sensationalism exaggerates details or uses dramatic language to make a story seem more important or exciting than it is.
What is the role of a journalist in delivering the news?
A journalist gathers, investigates, and reports news to inform the public accurately.
What is the difference between selection bias and omission bias?
Selection bias is when certain facts are chosen to support a view, while omission bias is when important facts are left out.
Why is it important to cross-reference multiple sources in news reporting?
Cross-referencing ensures the accuracy of information and prevents the spread of false or biased content.
What role does bias play in shaping public opinion through the media?
Bias can influence how stories are presented, shaping how people view issues and events.
What strategies can individuals use to identify and avoid fake news?
Strategies include verifying sources, checking facts, and cross-referencing information from multiple credible outlets.