...to ask Why?

Some magazines and newspapers have an editorial bias or slant. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this, you'll want to make sure that you're not treating someone's opinion as fact.

Pay close attention to a popular's article's purpose. Why was the article written? To inform you of an issue? To convince you of a particular opinion?

The alternative press, or independent media, are news outlets that offer a differing perspective on what is covered in the mainstream media. These sources can sometimes offer an opposing view to the popular consensus.

Find these sources through a Google search or in the library's Communication and Mass Media Complete database.

Magazines and newspapers are typically published for the general public and are meant to inform or entertain us. Some of these periodicals are general interest and cover a broad range of topics, while others are more specialized. Read the box below to find out more about the characteristics of popular press magazines and newspapers.

Articles that come from a popular press newspaper or magazine typically...

• Use jargon-free language that most people can understand
• Are written for a general audience to inform us about the news or a topic of interest
• Are written by professional journalists and published by for-profit presses
• Contain ads

News articles do serve a purpose in academic papers. Click below to hear a librarian discuss the use of articles from the popular press.

Need help?

For help with evaluating information or anything else, contact a reference librarian at (309) 298-2700 or stop by the reference desk on the 2nd floor of Malpass Library.