How do I evaluate a news story?

Evidence

• Acknowledges what information is unknown or unclear; this is called transparency.
• Regularly updates the story as events unfold.
• The evidence presented in the news story is verified.
• The primary evidence used is direct (observer eyewitness accounts; journalist eyewitness account; documents and records; and video, audio, and photographs).

• The primary evidence used is indirect (e.g. accounts from spokespersons; experts; computer models; hearsay; and inferences).
• The evidence is not verified or corroborated.
• One-sided or biased evidence is purposefully provided to prove or argue a particlar viewpoint.
• Evidence is presented outside of context.

Publishers and Journalists

• Editorial boards and parent organizations are listed in an “About Us” section of the website.
• The publishing company and journalists are transparent and acknowledge conflicts of interest. Typically this information can be found in the "Legal" or "Disclaimer" sections of the website.
• Journalists follow a code of ethics.
• The journalists are trained professionals. (It's always a good idea to research the credentials and backgrounds of affiliated writers.)  

• The publisher is a content mill.
• There is no information about the publisher or the writer(s) on the website where the article is posted.
• The authors listed are known for fictitious or satirical websites.

Sources

• The sources are evaluated against IMVAIN:
  • Independent: the sources are independent and neutral
  • Multiple: multiple sources are cited in the story.
  • Verified: the sources provide evidence that support the story as opposed to assertions, beliefs, or opinions.
  • Authoritative/Informed: the source either has the credentials or is close to the event/story and can provide accurate information (the innermost circle).
  • Named: the source and their affiliations are explicitly provided in the story.
• The source's evidence is presented in context.
• The source's quotes, evidence, and observations are presented accurately and objectively.
• The source is given proper attribution in the story.
• You confirm quotes, statistics, and information presented elsewhere.

• Unreliable sources are:
  • Self-interested or biased
  • Singular, in that there is only one source cited in the story
  • Offer assertions, beliefs, or opinions without evidence
  • Uninformed sources may be reporting hearsay and are not "close" to the event/story (the outermost circle)
  • Unnamed

Aesthetics

• The publisher website (interface) is well designed, edited, and professional in appearance.
• The website and article are grammatically correct and follow proper etiquette.

• The website is badly designed.
• The design is cluttered with text and heavy-handed photoshopping or born-digital images.
• The title/headline are in all caps.