Journalists gather information, check claims and explain events that matter to the public. Reporting appears in newspapers, broadcasts, websites, podcasts and other forms. News outlets have different owners and funding sources. Any report should be judged by its evidence and methods.
Why it matters
Independent reporting can bring overlooked issues to public attention. It can also put journalists at risk when powerful people want to stop scrutiny. UNESCO’s work on journalists’ safety explains why protection matters. An independent source can still make mistakes. A large audience does not prove that a source can be trusted either.
Take action
Try reporting on a school or community issue. Interview more than one person, separate verified facts from opinion and give people a fair chance to respond. Get consent before sharing personal stories. Our media page offers more questions to ask about representation, influence and missing voices.