Checking Sources for Reliability

A reliable source is one you can trust to support a fact in your research. One source on its own is not enough: use a second source to verify the fact. The second source should be independent, meaning it does not simply repeat the first source or come from the same organisation. For example, if a local news website says a new skate park will open in June, compare that with the council's planning page and a separate report from another news organisation.

To judge reliability, consider the type of media source and its reputation. A national broadcaster with trained reporters and a corrections policy is usually stronger evidence than an unattributed leaflet handed out in the street. A source is not reliable just because it is printed, published or shown on television.

Also think about the company or group that runs the media outlet. Ownership can affect editorial decisions, such as which stories are chosen, how they are worded and which opinions are given space. A magazine owned by a company may present that company's products more positively than an independent title would.

Fact-checking sites can help you test claims, especially viral stories, videos and images. You can also use other sources to verify a story, video or image: look for the original upload, a trustworthy report from a different organisation, or compare details with a separate eyewitness account from someone not connected to the claim. If you are using secondary sources, find relevant ones, check their reliability, then compare the information with another source before you rely on it.