Media materials may include photographs, documentary films, TV and radio broadcasts, even Twitter and Instagram 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?