Whether you agree or not, here the “credible news sources” for corroboration according to the Department of Homeland Security Document “Analyst’s Desktop Binder”. The document was highlighted in the press in 2012 when several publications pointed out the watch words on social media that might get you noticed by the Department of Homeland Security.
The document also included the following advice for analysts reviewing news media sources for corroboration and reports. Do you wonder if the list would be changed much in 2017, compared to 2011?
Credible Sources for Corroboration
First Tier –
A first tier source is one that does not typically need additional corroboration prior to release. Sources that construct the first tier platform include major news networks, such as CNN and Fox; major newspapers, such as USA Today and The Washington Post; and international news, such as the BBC and The International Herald Tribune. These sources do not typically need additional corroboration prior to release
1. Major news networks (Television and Internet)
CNN, FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, Associated Press, Reuters (local affiliates of these major networks can be considered Tier 1 sources)
Local affiliates of major networks, preferably sourced by the wire services like AP or Reuters
2. Major newspapers
Washington Post, LA Times, USA Today, US News and World Report, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Houston Chronicle, Boston Globe, Arizona Republic, San Francisco Chronicle, Detroit Free Press, Miami Herald
Some major local/state newspapers are appropriate as well (New York Daily News, Chicago Sun Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Seattle Times, etc.)
3. International News
BBC, Sky News, UPI (United Press International), IHT (International Herald Tribune), AFP (Agence France-Presse), Asian Times Online, Al Jazeera English, Prensa Latina (Latin American News Agency), The Guardian, Le Monde (France), The Economist, Kyodo News (Japan), The Australian News, German News, Canada Free Press, Agenzia Italia, United News of India, EFE (Spain), ARI (Russian Information Agency),
Second Tier –
Should ideally be verified by a First Tier source prior to release.
1. Government or specialized sites with a specific focus. Often includes .org’s, .net’s,and .co’s.
AllAfrica.com, Emergency and Disaster Management Service,GlobalSecurity.org, etc.
2. Obviously partisan or agenda-driven sites
MoveOn.org, Amnesty International, etc.
Third Tier –
Must be verified by a First Tier source prior to release.
1. Tabloids (national and international)
Sun (UK), National Enquirer, Star, etc.
2. Blogs, even if they are of a serious, political nature
3. Popular magazines
People Weekly, Washingtonian, etc.
Fourth Tier –
Must be verified by a First Tier source prior to release
1. News collection/compilation sites
NationalTerrorAlert.com, Drudge Report.com, DisasterNews.net, Opensourceintelligence.org, Homelandsecurityleader.com, HomelandSecurityToday.com.
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