“It’s alarming not only because free expression is at risk, but because some of these requests come from countries you might not suspect — Western democracies ... More »
Kristin Gorski
Founding Member (since May 2008)I joined NewsTrust because I wanted to experience its media literacy tools. I also believe that a healthy democracy needs a media-literate populace, so I wanted to participate in NewsTrust and increase my own media literacy. As I participate, I'm thinking of possible wider applications of media literacy tools for the general population and for students in classroom settings.
This profile can be seen by everyone, including search engines.
While many different stakeholders are interviewed for this article, their opinions only are featured primarily. More factual, neutral stats are needed to contextualize the experts' takes. I'm still left wondering about hydraulic fracturing; it's a relatively new technology and there seems to be many conflicting opinions on its long-term safety and efficiency.
Clearly expressed, pithy, and thought-provoking. Written with authority. Original way to wrap up 2011 and look toward the future.
I'm reading more about the notion of "false equivalence" in fact-checking organizations. Apparently FactCheck's description of the first Democratic whopper (Republicans would 'end Medicare') has received critiques from Paul Krugman, among others. After reading his column, another from HuffPo, and comments on both pieces, I'm still not sure what is accurate. Is the argument here only about wording or is there something more? Anyone with enlightening links, please post so we can get ... More »
Seems odd that the writer has trouble with mainstream media following key tenets of journalism, including accurately reporting facts and contextualizing statements made by public figures. If media outlets should not do this, what is their purpose? He seems content with having public figures, particularly conservative ones, say their pieces and let them stand without challenge, even when they are not true and need context in order to understand them better.
Many poor people are "working poor", as this article points out. This is an important part of the conversation on poverty in the U.S. that is often overlooked.
Newt Gingrich and others say the work ethic is absent in neighborhoods like the one I grew up in. That’s just wrong. Gingrich and his like have their collective noses ... More »
Relevant article, as technology advances like natural language processing (NLP) help media consumers know more about what they are consuming. Very interesting.
If all candidates stopped lying and misconstruing facts, it would be better for the entire democratic process. How can we trust any leader who lies for their own gain? How can we depend on a leader who either doesn't understand the facts or doesn't think they are important? Fact-checking endeavors continue to prove their worth by helping readers understand the reality behind the deceptive sound bites.
The nonpartisan League of Women Voters, promoters of civic responsibility since 1920, has now abandoned its Florida voter drives: LWV is suing the ... More »
Well-written and authoritative opinion piece. Many links to varied supporting sources lend it credibility and provide avenues for learning more.
Interesting that the writer includes so many links to Wikipedia as sources for more information. There is much debate in educational circles about whether or not to cite from Wikipedia because it is an open-source, crowdsourced online dictionary, not one created by established experts (like Encyclopedia Britannica) in the encyclopedia field.
Thanks for this additional information, Fabrice! Looking forward to hearing more about your Wikipedia project.
Well-written and authoritative opinion piece. Many links to varied supporting sources lend it credibility and provide avenues for learning more.
Interesting that the writer includes so many links to Wikipedia as sources for more information. There is much debate in educational circles about whether or not to cite from Wikipedia because it is an open-source, crowdsourced online dictionary, not one created by established experts (like Encyclopedia Britannica) in the encyclopedia field.
Hi Bob-
Thanks for adding your perspectives. I agree with you about Wikipedia. I use it regularly and find it very accurate.
My review comment frames two opposing viewpoints I consistently hear. Some teachers don’t allow students to use Wikipedia as a source in ... More »
Well-written and authoritative opinion piece. Many links to varied supporting sources lend it credibility and provide avenues for learning more.
Interesting that the writer includes so many links to Wikipedia as sources for more information. There is much debate in educational circles about whether or not to cite from Wikipedia because it is an open-source, crowdsourced online dictionary, not one created by established experts (like Encyclopedia Britannica) in the encyclopedia field.
Interactive calculator is useful in figuring out what percent users are. Needs more context: How many people are in the various percentages? Breakdowns by geographic region, education level, race and ethnicity? I'm not sure if this information is available, but if so, it would help make this picture more clear.
This article details another ethics scandal for News Corp., this time involving a circulation-fixing deal with European versions of the Wall Street Journal. This story is relevant, particularly after recent revelations of the News of the World phone hacking scandal's extent.
The bizarre scheme included a formal, written contract in which the Journal persuaded one company to co-operate by agreeing to publish articles that promoted its ... More »
Includes key quotations from experts in international law that help explain the legal consequences of this alleged plot. Clearly written. Though not very in-depth, the article still successfully shows why this event is newsworthy and relevant.







Technology is the underpinning of so much in our lives, so much so that we don't even notice the more complex issues around its innovation and regulation; this fact commands that we pay even closer attention to it.