Rather than acting like a mirror that reflects government and politics back to the public, news coverage can be thought of as a searchlight that illuminates some objects while leaving others in shadow. That is not a criticism of journalism as a whole; it is simply an acknowledgment that no single media source can possibly cover all the events that occur in a day.
Consequently, if you want to be informed about the world around you, it is wise to follow a number of different news sources. Make sure the media you select observes the canons of journalistic ethics and that their stories contain all five “Ws” (who, what, where, why and how) of an event.
Look for reputable news agencies, such as Reuters and AP internationally, and PTI and ANI in India. They provide a more objective view of events than local newspaper and television outlets with their own editorial slant.
Be aware that while a news story may include public reaction, it should also feature expert analysis and facts that support a particular position or conclusion. Reputable news outlets will mark these differences, and if you read a newspaper or watch a television broadcast, the on-air label should indicate whether you are watching a pure news report or an opinion piece.
It is important to recognize that one news story on a particular subject doesn’t tell the whole picture. Instead, think of it as a slice of pie; to get the most accurate and complete picture, you need to see how other news outlets are covering the same topic.