Topical Talk

News reporting: which news can you trust?

Discuss who really shapes editorial decisions.

Collage of pages from the “News reporting: which news can you trust?” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 28 November 2025

This lesson is more than 6 months old. Please check the facts before teaching to ensure they are up-to-date and still correct.

About this lesson

In late 2025, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) apologised to US President Donald Trump for a documentary episode that spliced parts of a 2021 speech together.

What external pressures shape the news we read? And is it possible for media outlets to be truly unbiased?

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Consider the factors that influence editorial decision-making
  • Explore real-world examples of how funding and ownership have affected news coverage
  • Discuss the best way for media outlets to operate

Skills and knowledge

  • Speaking

    Step 6: Choosing language
    I choose appropriate language for the situation
    Did you use the language on either end of the scale to sort the news stories?

    Step 8: Using facts
    I use facts and examples to support my communication
    Did you use facts and examples from the lesson to discuss the best way for media outlets to operate?

    Step 15: Presenting
    I present to an audience when required
    Did you present your decision with your editorial team to the class?

  • Knowledge

    I know that media organisations are funded in different ways and this can affect their editorial independence

    What is an example of how a media organisation can be funded?

Available downloads

Create an account or log in to access resources for this

Create account Login

Related resources

View all resources