Glossary

Media Credibility Glossary

Key terms used in PressGrade scoring and media credibility analysis.

Confidence Rating

Reflects how much documented evidence was available when generating a score. High confidence means extensive documentation was available.

Content Integrity

Whether a media figure or outlet clearly distinguishes between news reporting and opinion or commentary.

Correction Culture

How a media figure or outlet handles errors after they have been made. Strong means errors are acknowledged openly, promptly, and prominently.

Editorial Independence

Whether coverage decisions are based on evidence and journalistic judgment, or on the preferences of funders, political allies, or the audience.

Factual Accuracy

Whether the claims made in a news story or by a media figure are true and can be verified against primary sources.

Media Bias

A systematic tendency in news coverage to present information in a way that favors particular viewpoints, groups, or interpretations.

Source Transparency

How clearly a media figure or outlet discloses where their information comes from, including funding and ownership disclosure.

Trust Tier

PressGrade's categorical label summarizing overall credibility: High Trust (75-100), Moderate Trust (45-74), Low Trust (35-44), Very Low Trust (0-34).