Why is cross-referencing multiple outlets when evaluating a claim valuable?

• A. It slows the process without benefit.
• B. It helps verify consistency and uncover bias, improving accuracy.
• C. It confuses the reader.
• D. It always guarantees truth.

Answer: (B)

Cross-referencing multiple outlets is a practice of triangulation in media literacy. By comparing how different sources report the same claim, you can check whether the core facts line up, notice missing context, and detect biases in framing or sourcing. When numbers, dates, or attributions appear consistently, you gain confidence in their accuracy; when outlets diverge, it’s a cue to dig deeper or consult primary sources. This approach improves understanding and reduces reliance on a single perspective, but it doesn’t guarantee the truth—biases and errors can still slip through. The other options don’t reflect the value of this method: it isn’t just a slow, useless step, it doesn’t inherently confuse readers, and it cannot guarantee truth even with cross-checking.