This Workshop Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity!
How to Spot Fake News
Where do you get your news?
How often do you seek out news?
What do journalists do?
Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics
Preamble
“Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integrity.”
Principles of Ethical Journalism
The Society declares these four principles as the foundation of ethical journalism and encourages their use in its practice by all people in all media.
National Public Radio (NPR)
“The mission of NPR, in partnership with its member stations, is to create a more informed public, one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas, and culture within the United States and across the globe. To this end, NPR reports, produces, acquires and distributes news, information and other content that meet the highest standards of public service in journalism and cultural expression.”
“Whether on television or online, our journalists abide by high standards of ethics and strive to adhere to stringent standards of journalistic integrity. We expect our reporters, producers and writers to be fair and honest and to confirm the facts before online articles or TV segments are released to the public.”
“The core purpose of The New York Times is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information. Producing content of the highest quality and integrity is the basis for our reputation and the means by which we fulfill the public trust and our customers’ expectations.”
American Media: The Reality
Most journalists work hard to follow the code of ethics (some media organizations have their own code).
However, be aware:
Be a critical reader!
Reliable Article Types
NEWS ANALYSIS: Objective examination of the causes and consequences of a news situation. Includes reporting along with analysis based on the expertise of the writer. Example
FRONT PAGE/FEATURE/COVER STORY: The most prominent news story of the issue. Provides report with added depth and background details. Example
Use with General Caution
Questionable Article Types
EDITORIAL: Written for the editorial page presenting the opinions of the newspaper editorial board. Example
OPINION: An opinion column or article written by an author, but not necessarily a member of the editorial board. Example
BLOG: Contributors provide commentary on a particular subject. Posts displayed with the most recent at the top. Example
Use Rarely and with Extreme Caution
NOPE!
CONSPIRACY THEORY: Theories that prescribe certain big events to plots carried out by secret, influential agencies. Example
PROPAGANDA: Extremely biased, purposely provocative information, used to incite a response from the reader. Example
These should never be used
CRAAP Test
Currency: Is it up-to-date?
References: Does it provide links or a references/works cited list?
Authorship: Is the author an expert? Is the organization/source/website trustworthy?
Appropriateness: Is it on-topic and informative enough to meet your needs?
Purpose: Is it trying to inform, persuade, sell?
Source Evaluation Exercise
The following articles respond to the question, “Is a college degree worth the cost of tuition?”
Use the CRAAP test to evaluate the articles. Try to get through at least the first four, or all six if you have time. Use the handout to record your thoughts. Remember, you don’t need to read the article, just decide if it seems like a useful source. You have ten minutes.
Source 1: “College Calculus”
Source 1: “College Calculus”
College Calculus: What’s the Real Value of Higher Education
Source 2: “Is College Worth It?”
Source 2: “Is College Worth It?”
Is College Worth It? Here’s How to Tell
Source 3: “Why College is Worth the Cost”
Source 3: “Why College is Worth the Cost”
http://www.apu.edu/articles/college-worth-the-cost/
Source 4: “Is College Worth It?”
Source 4: “Is College Worth It?”
Sources 5 and 6
Even More Credible
-Or, better yet . . .
Library Resources
Media & Information Literacy Library Guide
(access to newspapers, magazines, journals)
Public Libraries: They have databases too!
If you need help finding or evaluating sources...
Thank you!
We hope you enjoyed this presentation! It was created by the following Las Positas College instructors:
Before you go...