Accuracy Checklist: Stemer and MacCluggage | Committee of Concerned Journalists

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Accuracy Checklist: Stemer and MacCluggage

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Rosalie Stemer and Reid MacCluggage, American Press Institute, "How to Edit Skeptically", July 29, 2006

Ask your source: How do you know that?

Ask yourself:

What is my story about?

So what?

Why does this matter?

Is the main point of the story supported? How many sources did I go to?

Do any of my sources have an agenda? Are all sides represented?

Is there more reporting to be done? Is the story fair?

How important is my story? Is it timely?

Is there anything in the story I'm unsure of or have questions about?

Are all the names spelled correctly?

Did I do the math?

Is my story in perspective?

Does this story stand on its own?

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