Consider the Source of Media Messages

Remember that every message you receive has a source, and it’s your job to question its credibility. If you understand the biases and goals of media sources—from advertisers and journalists to filmmakers and bloggers—you will be in a better position to know whether to resist or accept their messages. Bear in mind the economics of media, and think about how the business of mass communication might affect the messages you receive. And remember to be just as critical with material that supports your views as you are with material that does not.