Section 2 — The Framework
8 key phrases
Session 5 Key Phrases: Who is telling this story — and why?
Use these phrases to apply the first framework question to any news story — and to discuss ownership, motive, and credibility in English.
Who owns this outlet?evaluative question
Use when: applying Question 1 of The Framework to any news source
The starting point for understanding who is telling a story and why. Ownership doesn't determine everything — but it shapes the context.
"Before sharing this article, who owns this outlet? Is it a public broadcaster, a private conglomerate, a foundation, or an individual with clear political views?"
There's a clear conflict of interest here.analytical observation
Use when: identifying a situation where the source's private interests may bias their reporting
A precise, professional phrase for naming a problem that less sophisticated readers miss.
"The study was funded by the food company whose products it was evaluating — there's a clear conflict of interest here."
This reads like sponsored content.critical observation
Use when: suspecting that an article is paid for by an advertiser rather than independently reported
Signals awareness of the line between journalism and advertising — a line increasingly blurred in digital media.
"There's no critical voice in this article, no counterargument, no inconvenient fact — this reads like sponsored content."
What's their editorial line?evaluative question
Use when: asking about the consistent ideological or political position of a publication
Every outlet has an editorial line — a consistent set of values and priorities that shapes what it covers and how.
"I know what the story says. But what's their editorial line? Do they consistently support this type of policy? That context matters."
I'd want to verify this with a different source.professional habit
Use when: signalling that you don't accept a single source as sufficient verification
The gold standard of information consumption: multiple, independent, named sources.
"This is a significant claim. I'd want to verify this with a different source before accepting it or sharing it."
They have skin in the game.idiom
Use when: noting that a source has a personal stake in the outcome of the story they're commenting on
An idiom meaning someone has something at risk — money, reputation, power — that might bias their statements.
"The CEO is the main voice in this story — but they have skin in the game. Of course they're going to say the merger is good for customers."
This is watchdog journalism at its best.commendation
Use when: recognizing journalism that holds power accountable in the public interest
The highest compliment in journalism: a story that exists not to entertain or inform, but to hold the powerful responsible.
"This investigation took two years and exposed corruption at the highest levels. This is watchdog journalism at its best."
Follow the funding.analytical instruction
Use when: advising someone to look at who finances a study, report, or news outlet to understand its potential biases
The complement to "follow the money" — applies specifically to who pays for the information being presented.
"The think tank released a report supporting deregulation. Before citing it, follow the funding — who finances this organization?"