The reading room

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Browse explanations of reporting, sources, headlines and updates, each built around one question about how news reaches its readers.

Attribution: The Small Phrase That Shows Who Says What

News attribution helps you separate a reporter’s account from a source’s claim, making it easier to judge who is…

Nov 3, 20268 min read

A photo caption or text description can answer different questions: learn which to read first, what each adds, and how…

Oct 31, 20266 min read

A news bulletin gives stories a timed order. Learn how its running order guides attention, what it leaves out, and how…

Oct 28, 20265 min read

Learn how to check whether a headline overstates its report by comparing its claim with the article’s qualifications…

Oct 26, 20267 min read

A Sunday reading habit for one continuing news story helps you track changes in its timeline, spot process delays and…

Oct 23, 20265 min read