Evaluating Resources Guide

WHAT IS SUBSTANTIVE NEWS?

Substantive News resources are national publications which provide educated, general-audience readers with fact-checked information about current events, often accompanied by graphic design elements or photographs and advertisements. (i.e. National Geographic, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Science, etc.) This can also include local news, which cater to a local rather than national audience and often use slightly more accessible language (i.e. The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Reader, etc.). They are best used to locate up-to-date information about a current event, find local information, and read fact-checked news, editorials, commentaries, or expert/popular opinions.

HOW TO IDENTIFY SUBSTANTIVE NEWS

1. A byline indicating the author is easy to find - if you look up the author they are likely a journalist or staff writer.
2. Language is accessible to a general audience.
3. Often accompanied with illustrations, graphics, or photographs.
4. Commercial publication - will suggest subscribing and/or feature advertisements.
5. References will not be cited in full, but sources may be mentioned or linked.