What is a common method journalists use to verify information?

• A. Recording interviews without permission
• B. Fact-checking and corroborating sources
• C. Assuming the accuracy of online articles
• D. Relying solely on social media for updates

Answer: (B)

Fact-checking and corroborating sources is a foundational practice in journalism that ensures the accuracy and reliability of information before it is published or aired. Journalists often seek multiple sources to confirm the same information, which helps to establish credibility and provide a more comprehensive understanding of an issue. This process often involves checking public records, consulting experts, and cross-referencing different accounts to ensure that the facts presented are accurate and trustworthy. This rigorous method not only upholds journalistic integrity but also protects the public from misinformation.

Other methods listed, such as assuming the accuracy of online articles or relying solely on social media for updates, undermine the credibility of journalistic work because they can lead to the dissemination of false or misleading information. Recording interviews without permission raises ethical concerns regarding consent and privacy, which can jeopardize a journalist's relationship with sources and the public's trust in journalism. Hence, the emphasis on fact-checking and corroborating sources stands out as the most essential and responsible approach within the industry.