EVALUTE THE CREDIBILITY OF THE FOLLOWING LIST OF SOURCES: NEWSPAPER, MAGZINE, TELEVISION PROGRAMS, MOVIES, TELEVISION NEWS REPORTING. THE INTERNET, AND ADVERTISING. WHAT FACTORS MAY INFLUENCE THEIR CLAIMS

One could write books on this. Factors which influence claims: money, power, prestige, greed, self-serving claims, need to depreciate others, need for attention, and so on. The list is long. I am amazed anyone would give such a broad topic: It is akin to evaluating the possibility of world peace, or even peace in the Middle East. A three paragraph paper is not going to hack it.

If you want to analyze TV and Radio, think on Bill O'Reilly, Nancy Grace, Rush Limbaugh, Fox News. Why in the world do those folks report the nonsense they do? Reason: Some folks believe them. So Credibility is in part what some believe. Thus a niche for Fox News. So in your analysis, you can include the psychology of not only what is reported, but who is the audience, and why they listen. I saw a weekly 'newspaper' at the grocery checkout stand last week, the headlines were "First Pictures from Heaven". This week the headline is "Guided Tour of Heaven". That paper sells enough to stay in business, as does Rush, Nancy, and Bill.
Again, the answer to your question is complex, and is not likely to be dealt with in a short paper.
PS: Don't forget all those "GutBuster" ads on TV. One wonders how anyone can believe them, but their products sell and sell.

Here are some sites which may be of help to you in writing this paper:
The Problem:
http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=1205

http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?PageID=838

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http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=38398

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Evaluating:
http://www.leaonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15567419cy2701_10

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http://com.miami.edu/car/miamibeach1.htm

When evaluating the credibility of different sources, there are several factors to consider:

1. Accuracy: Determine if the information provided is accurate and based on evidence or factual data. Look for reliable sources, expert opinions, and references to support the claims made.

2. Bias: Be aware of any potential bias or agenda that the source may have. This can be influenced by the political affiliation, financial interests, or personal beliefs of the source. Consider whether the claims made are balanced and supported by multiple perspectives.

3. Reputation: Consider the reputation and credibility of the source itself. Evaluate if it is known for accurate reporting, investigative journalism, and ethical practices. Look for established newspapers, magazines, and television programs with a track record of reliable reporting.

4. Authority: Determine the expertise and credibility of the authors or individuals behind the source. Look for credentials, qualifications, and experience in the relevant field. Consider whether the authors have a history of accurate reporting or expertise in the subject matter.

5. Transparency: Look for transparency in the source's reporting process. Consider whether the source provides clear information about its sources, methodologies, and potential conflicts of interest. Transparency helps evaluate the reliability and integrity of the source's claims.

6. Consistency: Look for consistency in the information provided by the source over time. Consider whether the source has a consistent track record of accurate reporting or if it has been known to retract or correct false information.

Regarding the factors that may influence their claims, as mentioned earlier, there are various influences such as money, power, prestige, greed, self-serving claims, the need to depreciate others, and the need for attention. Additionally, the target audience and their beliefs, values, and interests can influence the claims made by the source. Understanding the psychology of the audience and their preferences can shed light on why certain sources report the way they do.

While evaluating the credibility of the sources you mentioned, consider examining their adherence to these factors. Look for evidence of accurate reporting, unbiased perspectives, reputable authors or creators, transparency in their reporting process, consistency in their information, and the avoidance of sensationalism or deceptive advertising tactics.

It is important to note that evaluating the credibility of sources requires more in-depth analysis and research than can be provided in a short answer. The provided links may offer further insights into the topic and aid in writing a comprehensive analysis.