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Journalist Mock Interview

Question 18 of 30 for our Journalist Mock Interview

Journalist was updated by on January 27th, 2019. Learn more here.

Question 18 of 30

In a world filled with fake news, how do you ensure the legitimacy of your sources?

Ensuring that your sources are legitimate is a massive part of your success and reputation as a journalist. There are so many accounts of lousy reporting, fake news, and illegitimate sources these days, so you must share with the interviewer what you do to avoid this embarrassing mistake from happening to you.

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How to Answer: In a world filled with fake news, how do you ensure the legitimacy of your sources?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Journalist job interview.

  • 18. In a world filled with fake news, how do you ensure the legitimacy of your sources?

      How to Answer

      Ensuring that your sources are legitimate is a massive part of your success and reputation as a journalist. There are so many accounts of lousy reporting, fake news, and illegitimate sources these days, so you must share with the interviewer what you do to avoid this embarrassing mistake from happening to you.

      Written by Rachelle Enns on January 27th, 2019

      1st Answer Example

      "One of my fast and firm rules is that I never allow for the use of anonymous sources. This rule has saved me from many embarrassing instances where I could have irresponsibly reported fake news. If I have to grant anonymity to a source, there is a lot of due diligence that must occur first."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on January 27th, 2019

      2nd Answer Example

      "I always as myself if a source is credible and knowledgable before I lean on them for anything. Also, I make sure that my editors are on board and fully satisfied that my source is reliable. This decision isn't a one-person decision most of the time. Everything from a source is pre-verified before any publication or broadcast."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on January 27th, 2019