- Credibility: Mainstream news sources are generally more credible than other sources of news because they have a reputation to uphold and are subject to journalistic standards and ethics.
- Accuracy: Mainstream news sources have a vested interest in ensuring that the information they publish is accurate, as their credibility depends on it. They typically employ fact-checkers and editors to verify the accuracy of their reporting.
- Objectivity: Mainstream news sources strive to be objective and impartial in their reporting, avoiding sensationalism and bias. They typically present different perspectives on a story and allow readers to form their own opinions.
- Accessibility: Mainstream news sources are widely available and accessible to a large audience, both online and in print. They may also offer different delivery formats, such as websites, mobile apps, and social media.
Disadvantages of using a mainstream news source:
- Bias: While mainstream news sources strive to be objective, they may still be influenced by their own political or ideological biases. This can affect how they select, present, and interpret news stories.
- Agenda-setting: Mainstream news sources can have a significant impact on public opinion by deciding which stories to cover and how to frame them. This can influence the way people think about certain issues and shape their political views.
- Sensationalism: In order to attract viewers or readers, mainstream news sources may sometimes resort to sensationalism, exaggerating the importance or impact of certain stories to capture attention.
- Oversimplification: Mainstream news sources may simplify complex issues to make them more accessible to a general audience, which can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and context.