• TwistedTree@piefed.social
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    4
    ·
    2 months ago

    Be skeptical of unverified and unverifiable sources. Sure the sources could be anonymous democrats; but they could also be Republican political operatives telling friendly journalists something that wouldn’t be credible if it had their name on it.

    • Verqix@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      2 months ago

      Fully on board with that. It’s why in journalism you see an indicator of closeness make it a more relevant source description. Like “democratic senator”, “someone close to the president” etc. Moreover you have to question the publishers alignment and dedication to truthfullness.

      But if people lack the critical reading skill to already mistake “unverified” with “anonymous source [of function/closeness to the subject] according to [insert news agency]”, that is just trying to find truth in a statement ment to give you doubt.

      Edit: On alignment of the publisher: “Newsmax TV holds a conservative political stance, broadcasting many programs hosted by conservative media personalities. CEO Christopher Ruddy has compared the network to Fox News.”

      Fox News itself said not to consider it actual news reporting.

      Why would a reliable source close enough to the president to know the truth about campaign aspirations go to a Fox News clone?