Below are listed a few well-known websites dedicated to checking accuracy of news stories, claims of politicians and/or rumors and urban legends. For more options search "media watchdog" or "political watchdog" in Google.
All sides is a news website that presents multiple sources side by side in order to provide the full scoop of news reporting.
FactCheck.org is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. The site monitors the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases.
This organization checks the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases.
Internet reference source for folklore, myths, rumors, urban legends, and misinformation.
Information on voter registration and guides on how to vote.
Mary Ann's FIB TEST for news
Fact or Fake?
Important?
Biased?
The CRAAP Test is a list of questions (developed by Meriam Library at California State University, Chico) to help you analyze the validity of a source. Here is a short list of things to look for to see if your information source passes the CRAAP Test:
CRAAP Test: is this a good source?
CURRENCY: Check the publication date of the source as well as the dates of the sources cited.
RELEVANCE: The title, subject terms, an article abstract (summary) and chapter headings help determine if the source is on topic
AUTHORITY: Look for authors' credentials to determine their expertise. Also look for a reputable sponsoring organization or publisher.
ACCURACY: Is the information supported by facts? Look for a list of references or in-text descriptions of the writer's sources.
PURPOSE: Inflammatory language and presenting only one side of an argument indicate bias. Advertising and a .com web address may mean the purpose is to sell something.
How to Spot Fake News Infographic
CRAAP Test