Session 5 Discussion: Who is telling this story — and why?

Look up who owns one of the major news outlets in your country. What other businesses does the owner have? Does this ownership shape the outlet's coverage? How can you tell?

Try to use: ownership, vested interest, editorial independence, conflict of interest, agenda

Is state-funded media (like the BBC or NPR) more trustworthy than privately-owned media — or just differently biased? What are the risks of each model?

Try to use: public broadcaster, state media, editorial independence, advertiser influence, press freedom

A journalist discloses that their spouse works for the company they are writing about. Should they still publish the story? Under what conditions?

Try to use: conflict of interest, disclosure, credibility, editorial independence, transparency

Hedge funds are buying local newspapers and cutting their newsrooms. What are the consequences for local communities? Is there an alternative?

Try to use: hedge fund media, news desert, watchdog journalism, accountability journalism, press freedom

A study funded by a pharmaceutical company concludes their drug is safe. Should you trust it less than an independent study? How much does funding affect results?

Try to use: vested interest, conflict of interest, credibility, transparency, disclosure

Some of the most powerful investigative journalism today comes from nonprofit outlets or small independent publishers. Why? What does this tell us about the relationship between commercial media and accountability?

Try to use: nonprofit journalism, watchdog journalism, editorial independence, sponsored content, accountability