FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting) has published a list of guidelines regarding how to detect bias in the media.
Ask yourself:
1. Who are the sources?
2. Is there a lack of diversity?
3. From whose point of view is the news reported?
4. Are there double standards?
5. Do stereotypes skew coverage?
6. What are the unchallenged assumptions?
7. Is the language loaded?
8. Is there a lack of context?
9. Do the headlines and stories match?
10. Are stories on important issues featured prominently?
When identifying reliable sources, there are a few things you can look for:
- Note the sponsoring organization (a disreputable organization will be less likely to publish reputable information)
- Note the organization or reporter's bias (a biased organization is likely to publish biased information)
- Look at cites or foundations which study news sources for further information on different sources. For more information, please see SUNY Potsdam's LibGuide on the subject.