Use this advice to determine whether what you are reading is fact or fiction
Next time you come across a story that sounds too good (or bad) to be true, there is a good chance it is as there are many bad actors online purporting to be credible news outlets.
How do you tell the difference? Jennifer Peters, reporter for the News Media Alliance has put together an evergreen list of tips to help distinguish fact from fiction.
Look for the social media profile behind the byline, she advises, as that will give you an indication of their legitimacy based on other posts and pieces of work.
"Check out his or her social media accounts and other work, and find out what he or she typically writes about. If his or her other stories seem suspicious or opinionated as opposed to fact-based, take the article you’re reading with a grain of salt," it reads.
Want to receive journalism news and job updates straight to your phone? Subscribe to Journalism.co.uk on Telegram on our jobs channel for latest job opportunities and our news channel for a weekly digest every Monday morning.
If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).
Sign up to receive job alerts of your choice by email, or manage your subscription
Featured recruiter: click to view its vacancies
The UK’s largest independent investigative journalism organisation seeks a fact checker with proven experience in fact-checking or editing journalistic content, ideally investigations. Hybrid working
Subscribe to our newsletter for latest news, tips, jobs and more
End that deadline stress today and find help in our freelance directory
Personal trainer James Hilton has launched a podcast 'Jim's Gym - Inspiring Movement'. James, a specialist in biomechanics and injury recovery from the Cotswolds, runs Jim's Gym, a virtual online space supporting people over 55 to be more active
Our next Newsrewired conference will be in May 2025, London.
Conferences and study weeks are fantastic opportunities to get the latest updates on the industry and network with your peers
Awards are a great way to have your hard work recognised by industry experts and celebrate your teams. Here is where you can apply
If you find your social feeds a tad too heavy on men's voices, follow and connect with these fantastic women experts on indie media
How do you move print readers to digital? Are there other ways to hold on to subscribers besides a last-ditch deal?