Fact checking news quotes

Fact-checking news quotes is an essential step in verifying the accuracy of information reported in the media. Here are some tips and resources to help you fact-check news quotes:

Why fact-check news quotes?

• Misquotes or misattributed quotes can lead to misinformation and confusion.
• Quotes can be taken out of context, changing their meaning.
• Quotes can be fabricated or manipulated to support a particular agenda.

How to fact-check news quotes:

1. Verify the source: Check the credibility of the source quoting the individual. Is it a reputable news organization or a reliable primary source?
2. Check the context: Read the full quote in context to ensure it's not been taken out of context.
3. Look for corroboration: Check if other credible sources have reported the same quote or similar information.
4. Check for audio/video evidence: If possible, listen to or watch the original audio/video recording of the quote to verify its accuracy.
5. Check for corrections: If the quote is disputed or incorrect, check if the original source has issued a correction.

Resources for fact-checking news quotes:

1. Fact-checking websites:
   • Snopes: A leading fact-checking website that debunks urban legends and false information.
   • FactCheck.org: A project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center that fact-checks political claims and quotes.
   • PolitiFact: A fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of political statements and quotes.
2. News organizations' fact-checking pages:
   • Many news organizations, such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN, have dedicated fact-checking pages or teams.
3. Transcripts and archives:
   • Check online archives or transcripts of speeches, interviews, or press conferences to verify quotes.
4. Primary sources:
   • Go directly to the source, such as a government agency, organization, or individual, to verify quotes or information.

Examples of fact-checking news quotes:

1. Quote: "I'm a big league guy, I know more about ISIS than the generals do, believe me."
   • Fact-check: This quote was taken out of context and misattributed to Donald Trump. The full quote was about his confidence in his ability to defeat ISIS, not that he knows more about ISIS than generals. (Source: FactCheck.org)
2. Quote: "The science is settled on climate change."
   • Fact-check: This quote is often misattributed to Al Gore, but he never said it. The phrase is often used to describe the scientific consensus on climate change, but it's not a direct quote. (Source: Snopes)

Remember, fact-checking news quotes is an ongoing process that requires diligence, critical thinking, and a commitment to verifying information.