Use a verified timeline as your anchor when tracking live conflicts; then apply these ten habits so headlines inform, not distort. Here’s a practical checklist for newsrooms and readers alike. Reuters
10 rules:
- Start with primary timelines; don’t stitch narratives from clips. Reuters
- Separate facts (who/what/where/when) from claims (why/how) until corroborated. Reuters
- Track the first source of each key detail (official, field reporter, agency). Reuters
- Prefer outlets that show document links, not just quotes. Reuters
- Watch for time zones and date drift; war moves faster than headlines. Reuters
- Compare multiple reputable wires before forming a view. Reuters
- Treat viral footage as unverified until geolocated. Reuters
- Be wary of casualty or equipment numbers without method notes. Reuters
- Save links + timestamps so you can revisit how stories evolved. Reuters
- Build a small “trusted list” and ignore the rest during breaking news. Reute
