Understanding Media Quality

A framework for seeking what is reliable, truthful, and "of good report"

General Conference speakers cite a variety of news sources in their talks. This page offers a framework for thinking about media quality as you explore those citations and reflect on your own news consumption.

A Higher Standard

"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

Article of Faith 13

For those seeking to follow this counsel, media discernment becomes more than a practical skill. We might ask not only "Is this accurate?" but also:

  • Is it virtuous? Does consuming this source strengthen my character and judgment?
  • Is it lovely? Does it elevate my understanding, or does it feed cynicism and contention?
  • Is it praiseworthy? Does this source serve the common good and human flourishing?

Reliability and Bias: A Practical Framework

When evaluating any news source, it helps to consider two separate questions:

Reliability

Does the source report facts accurately? Does it cite evidence, correct errors, and distinguish between news and opinion? Reliable sources invest in verification and accountability.

Bias

Every source has some perspective, but does it present multiple viewpoints fairly? Does it use neutral language, or does it inflame emotions? Understanding bias helps us read critically.

These two dimensions are independent. A source can be highly reliable but lean politically left or right. A source can claim to be neutral but publish misleading information. The goal is to find sources that are both reliable and fair in their presentation.

The Media Bias Chart

One tool for visualizing these dimensions is the Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart, which maps hundreds of news sources along both reliability (vertical axis) and political bias (horizontal axis).

Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart (August 2025) showing news sources mapped by reliability and political bias View Interactive Chart →

Chart by Ad Fontes Media. Click to explore the interactive version.

The news sources cited in General Conference tend to fall within the high-reliability, low-bias categories on charts like this. The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post are among the most frequently cited secular sources. This pattern suggests that church leaders are modeling the kind of discernment they encourage in others.

How to Read the Chart

  • Vertical axis (Reliability): Sources at the top contain original, fact-based reporting. Sources lower down mix more opinion, analysis, or may contain misleading information.
  • Horizontal axis (Bias): The center represents minimal political leaning. Left and right indicate progressive or conservative perspectives. The extremes show hyper-partisan content.
  • The "green zone": Sources in the upper-middle area tend to be the most reliable and balanced.

Principles for Media Discernment

Beyond charts and ratings, here are timeless principles for evaluating any source:

Consider the Source

Who published this? What is their track record? Do they have editorial standards and accountability?

Verify and Compare

Are claims supported by evidence you can check? How do other outlets cover the same story? What does each emphasize or omit?

Read Critically

Is this news or opinion? Does it use neutral language or emotionally charged words? Both reporting and commentary have value, but they serve different purposes.

"We need to be cautious as we seek truth and choose sources for that search. We should not consider secular sources of learning as more authoritative than the scriptures and the words of modern prophets."

President Dallin H. Oaks, General Conference, October 2018