What does the term due diligence refer to in the context of journalism?

• A. The range of topics covered by a journalist
• B. The thorough investigation and care taken to ensure accuracy
• C. The process of developing journalistic opinions
• D. The standard length of news articles

Answer: (B)

Due diligence in journalism specifically refers to the thorough investigation and careful attention that journalists must employ to ensure the accuracy of their reporting. This process involves verifying facts, seeking out multiple sources, and cross-checking information. Due diligence is critical in maintaining credibility and trustworthiness, as it helps to prevent the dissemination of false information or misleading narratives. When journalists perform due diligence, they honor their ethical responsibilities to the audience, uphold professional standards, and contribute to informed public discourse.

The other choices do not directly pertain to the critical investigative nature implied by due diligence. For instance, a journalist's range of topics covered pertains more to their versatility rather than their investigative thoroughness. Developing journalistic opinions can occur without rigorous fact-checking, and the standard length of articles is unrelated to the quality or accuracy of the content.