Watchdog Groups
The following are some press watchdog organizations that examine news sources for bias, inaccuracy, self-censorship, etc. Remember that many of these watchdog organizations also have their own political bias. Be sure to assess their claims critically, and do some research on the watchdog organization you are interested in exploring to find out details like who is funding the organization.
Nonpartisan Organizations
These organizations conduct unbiased research into new sources, the news industry, and consumers of news.
There are a number of sites out there that you can use to help you evaluate news sources.
University of Wisconsin Guide to Evaluating Sources
Purdue University Library Evaluation Guide
Fact-checking Sites
These sites can help you evaluate political discourse
Project Vote Smart - Check voting records, background, and public statements of candidates.
Fact Check.Org - Check the accuracy of statements, including advertisements, from politicians, pundits and special interest groups. Sponsored by the Annenberg Center,
Sunlight Foundation - Dedicated to making government as transparent and accountable as possible. Info on campaign finance and lobbyist influence.
Questions to Ask
When you are evaluating a news source, try asking some of the following questions.
Coverage About the News Industry
There are a number of organizations and publications that cover journalism as an industry and offer insight into the reliability of sources.