How to evaluate media materials
Media materials may include photographs, documentary films, TV and radio broadcasts, even social media posts.
Authority/authorship
- Who created the work (e.g. broadcaster, publisher, government)?
- Can you locate the original source of the image? Tools such as Google Reverse Image Finder can help you locate the source of an image.
Currency/timeliness
- How current is the information and coverage?
- Can the same information or images be found through other reputable sources or sites for confirmation?
Coverage/relevance
- Has there been sufficient time for accurate analysis and understanding of the topic? News reports may require time for follow-up; consider the depth of information when searching for substantive sources.
Purpose/audience
- For what purpose was the material created (e.g. entertainment, educational, promotional, commercial, professional)? Consider where and how the image is being displayed and why.
Accuracy/documentation
- Is the image staged, re-enacted, or authentic? Are the news reports genuine or are they satirical?
- How does that impact the transmission of information?
Objectivity/thoroughness
- Is the information presented in an objective manner or is it biased? Edited or altered photographs and films are examples of how media can transmit selective information.
- Determine the intent of the information and whether it represents a particular or biased opinion. Images and sounds may be altered or manipulated; practices such as voice-over narration, framing, editing, and lighting can be used to shape a particular point of view.
- Compare a cross-section of different media sources to help determine accuracy.
- Are different points of view offered? Are conclusions supported by evidence?