or our nation as a whole, and are not being covered.  These might include the growing gap between the rich and poor or declining education, and the impact these have on vast segments of the population, or our economy or competitive standing in the world. Don't Cover or dwell on unimportant Topics. more » close

coverage of issues.  If competing assertions or data exists, resolve them by asking questions and seeking the correct interpretation of answers.  When a question asked is not answered, re-ask it.  If it is repeatedly dodged, recognize that at close.  more » close

polititians, it is impossible to know who is right without identifying or examining the data underlying their respective claims.  Doing so holds them accountable.  If known data exists that conflicts with a claim, state it and ask for a response.  more » close

or, in the case of campaigns, the 'horse race', unless that is expressly the topic being covered.  When interviewing experts, stick to expertise only of the person. That is what they are there for.  more » close

them.  Repeating an untruth without reporting correcting or relevant facts, perpetuates the falsity leading people to believe it is true.  more » close

and often lead to misunderstanding and bogus, time wasting discussion. Always insist on clarification and specifics.  more » close

as similar or of equal importance if they are not. Identify arguments and choices that are based on false comparisons or equivalencies, and reject them as such.  Contradiction and Double Standard are other rules that fall under this class of logic inconsistency.  more » close

accurately. Do not mischaracterize. If the meaning of something is indeterminate, make that clear. Some specific methods of mischaracterization include Sin of Omission, Out of Context, Oversimplification, and Mountain Out of Molehill.  more » close