By borrowing the 8 Trust Indicators, created by the Trust Project, I determine if two news sites are credible sources of information.

First, Arizona Daily Independent News Network will be analyzed.

• 1 Best Practices: The owner of this site remains a mystery as this information is not disclosed. I could not find this information anywhere on the site nor through internet searches. While not clearly accessible, the site does have a motto and guidelines that can be found under their Contact Us page. Their motto states they believe that the truth has no political ideology and below it is claimed this source is, “independent news.. dedicated to the truth..”.
• 2 Journalist Expertise: All news stories in particular are written under the name ADI Staff Reporter without credentials displayed. However, if you click on that name, the URL changes which hints that the author might be MJ Rossmann (below). I was unsuccessful at locating any further information about this individual on the web. Opinion pieces are written by different authors.

• 3 Labels: News & Opinion sections are very clearly divided. Opinion articles opinion, news, what. impartial story or does it have clear opinion. sponsored or advertising. purpose clearly shown
• 4 References: Many articles I found did not disclose where information was directly recovered from. However, most point to sources to back up claims. Some articles mention sources in the writing itself, but there are never hyperlinks to properly attribute and clearly cite sources,
• 5 Methods: Although why particular stories are chosen is not directly stated, it is shown the subject material is relevant to the public, current, or ongoing. They by provide ample reporting by being filled with detailed facts.
• 6 Locally Sourced: The site is specifically for the city of Phoenix. With terms like west valley, being uses as locational indicators you can tell the site is in tune with Phoenix.
• 7 Diverse Voices: There are not known diverse voices. The company itself makes it look as though they are lacking in diversity as the team displayed consists of one writer out of two people in total. With this limitation of individuals, it makes it difficult for the site to provide diverse perspectives.

• 8 Additional Feedback: Some articles contain comments, but are currently closed for comment, other articles have comments unavailable, and in others you are urged to be the first to comment.

Finally, reviewing Media Bias / Fact Check reveals the site shows mixed results when it comes to factual reporting with a high right bias.

I’ve analyzed AZ Central as well.

• 1 Best Practices: __ is behind the news. check if rules for independent reporting. guidelines? mission nd priorities? who funds? With a detailed guideline for ethical conduct, the site has an extremely well defined mission statement and states they will act with independence, integrity, and write factually.
• 2 Journalist Expertise: Articles each have an author, and each have their own profiles to display their credentials and expertise in the area. They appear to be reputable journalists.
• 3 Labels: The site has an extremely well defined menu. The pop-down menu places opinion pieces at the lower half where you must scroll or zoom out your monitor 33%. Advertisements and even advertisements of other articles are clearly sourced.

• 4 References: Claims are cited with sources as well as hyperlinks along articles for further details on stories to back them up.
• 5 Methods: Methods are not entirely clear.
• 6 Locally Sourced: In most stories articles very specifically cite direct sources while others are brief but show familiarity with the community.
• 7 Diverse Voices: “Inherent to our mission is a commitment to ensuring our coverage reflects the diversity of our communities and the people we serve.”
• 8 Additional Feedback: I appreciate this site’s clear layout and even the accessibility features!! Comments can only be viewed and made once an account is created with the site.

Reviewing Media Bias / Fact Check reveals the site this site is very highly credible and left-centered with highly factual reporting.

• Are you able to find evidence of all eight indicators?
• Which ones are present or missing?
• How does the presence or absence of certain indicators impact how trustworthy you find the site? Do you think these indicators do the work they need to in order to establish trust?
• Are there are other indicators not on the Trust Project’s list that you think are better indicators of trustworthiness? 
• In your opinion, what, if anything, could the sites do differently to be more trustworthy? 

In summary, the second site is much more trustworthy than the first. It is more accessible and legitimate.

The interview with Hunter Bassler from KPNX 12 News was interesting as it went in many different directions! I appreciate how it always came back around to answering all questions and it was easily relatable. It was so cool that they were able to host a panel at the Colorado River Water Users Association Conference! They asked for better water stories to disprove conspiracy theories.

What I found most interesting is that there is a conspiracy theory that water respawns in pockets under the earth. Unfortunately, I thought this was true in a way. I had previously believed rain water soaked into the earth, replenishing wells and water that had been used in the earth.

When I tried to look into what happens if a well runs out of water, I came across a few scary articles and discontinued looking into the matter.

Hunter mentions the worsening water crisis that may lead to water cuts throughout my area. I had not heard there was a water crisis, until this interview. This will definitely continue to stay in my mind and I will be more mindful about my water consumption.

After looking through the Verify This site Hunter mentioned, I learned that water bottles actually don’t expire! I had been told that they do, but apparently it is just the taste that is compromised. This is only if the water is stored in appropriate conditions.

I will be adding this website to a growing list of sources to verify information:

• Verify This
• Rumor Guard
• Media Bias / Fact Check