With so much information available online, it’s more important than ever to know how to identify a credible news story.
Misinformation spreads quickly, and just as there may be multiple sources of misinformation led by bias and an agenda, when it comes to news, not all sources have rigorous journalistic standards either.
At Progress Publishing, which produces the Bedford Independent and The Bedford Clanger, we follow strict editorial standards to ensure accuracy and accountability.
We are regulated by Impress, the independent press regulator and we are proud to abide by its robust standards code, which is designed to increase trust in journalism.
This means we are committed to accuracy, fairness, and clear distinctions between fact, opinion, satire and advertising content.
Read: Who writes the news? A guide to bylines used by responsible newspapers and what they tell you
How journalists verify sources
A credible news story is built on verified information which professional journalists use to ensure accuracy, this includes:
- Multiple sources: Good reporting relies on more than one source to confirm details and avoid bias.
- Official records: Trusted news outlets use court documents, government reports, and public records as evidence.
- Eyewitness accounts: First-hand testimonies are cross-checked for consistency and reliability.
- Expert analysis: Specialists in relevant fields provide context and insight to support factual accuracy.
- Fact-checking: Journalists review claims before publishing and correct mistakes when necessary.
Transparency and accountability in journalism
A responsible news organisation ensures readers can trust its work. Transparency means:
- Clear attribution: Named sources are used whenever possible to increase credibility
- Corrections policy: Credible outlets admit mistakes and publish corrections promptly
- Editorial standards: Journalists follow ethical guidelines set by regulators such as Impress or Ipso
- Clear bylines: Content contains a clear byline to distinguish between reporting, opinion, and sponsored content
Read: Progress Publishing corrections and complaints process
The dangers of misinformation
Misinformation can mislead the public and cause real harm. Some of the key risks include:
- False claims influencing decisions: Whether about health, politics, or public safety, misinformation can lead to harmful choices. For example, claims from a political party will be biased and so may not be accurate or show a full picture.
- Damage to reputations: Incorrect reporting or claims can unfairly affect individuals or organisations.
- Undermining trust in journalism: When fake news spreads, it makes it harder for the public to trust legitimate reporting.
How to identify credible sources
Readers can protect themselves from misinformation by checking:
- The reputation of the outlet: Established and regulated publications with proven readership and transparent reporting are more reliable.
- Citations and sources: A good news story will reference official reports, expert statements, or direct interviews.
- Multiple sources: If only one publication or social media page is reporting a claim, be cautious.
- Emotional language: Sensational headlines or strongly emotional wording can be a sign of bias or misinformation.
- Clickbait tactics: If a headline seems exaggerated or misleading, it may not be a trustworthy source.
- Fake newspapers: Some political parties use marketing material dressed up to look like a newspaper with bias behind the content.
- Compliant with law and best practice: Publications that maintain responsible freedom of speech support a democratic and inclusive society
When journalists get it wrong
Even responsible journalists sometimes make mistakes. What sets credible news organisations apart is how they handle errors:
- Corrections and clarifications: A reputable news outlet has a clear process for acknowledging and correcting errors.
- Complaint procedures: Readers should be able to report concerns about accuracy and fairness.
- Independent regulation: Publications regulated by Impress or Ipso are committed to upholding high standards and addressing complaints fairly.
Progress Publishing’s editors are always happy to discuss a request for a correction and make that correction if appropriate. As a result, Progress Publishing has never had a complaint upheld against it, reflecting our commitment to fairness and transparency.
Read: Progress Publishing corrections and complaints process
Media regulators:
- Impress – An independent press regulator focused on accountability, transparency, and public trust in journalism. It provides a complaints process and ensures compliance with ethical reporting standards. Progress Publishing is regulated by Impress.
- Ipso – The Independent Press Standards Organisation, which primarily regulates large national and regional newspapers.
In a world full of information, media literacy is key to identifying trustworthy journalism.
By understanding how journalists verify sources, recognising the dangers of misinformation, and checking for transparency, readers can become more informed consumers of news.
At Progress Publishing, we are committed to accuracy, accountability, and ethical reporting. As an Impress-regulated publisher, we ensure our journalism meets the highest standards, helping our readers trust the news they rely on.
This article is part of a series to help support media literacy.
