Analysis Summary:

The article appears mostly accurate based on the provided sources, although some claims lack direct verification and rely on broader trends. There is a moderate bias towards highlighting the negative impacts of "new media" and partisan sources, potentially overlooking positive aspects or alternative explanations.

Detailed Analysis:

• Claim:** Residents of Oakdale, Calif., have abandoned traditional media outlets for a mishmash of online sources.
  • Verification Source #1: Supports the general trend of decline in local news and rise of online platforms.
  • Verification Source #4: Supports the idea that people self-select into media bubbles.
• Fails to cover*: Specific details about Oakdale, CA.
• Internal Knowledge*: It is a common trend across the US.
• Claim:** These days, they’re often not sure what information to trust.
  • Verification Source #1: Supports the idea that misinformation flourishes in the absence of local news.
  • Verification Source #3: Supports the idea that social media contributes to misinformation.
• Fails to cover*: Specific details about Oakdale, CA.
• Internal Knowledge*: This is a common consequence of the proliferation of online information.

Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:

• Verification Source #1: "The decline in local news reporting has created an information vacuum where misinformation and disinformation have flourished." This supports the article's claim that the shift away from traditional media has led to uncertainty about what information to trust.
• Verification Source #4: "That change meant partisans could self-select into media bubbles, while most Americans could opt out of news in favor of entertainment." This supports the idea that people are increasingly choosing media that aligns with their existing beliefs, potentially contributing to the problem of misinformation.
• Verification Source #5: "Magdalena Wojcieszak, a Professor of Communication at UC Davis, studies how the changing media environment creates both opportunities and..." This source suggests that the changing media environment is not solely negative, but also presents opportunities. This contrasts with the article's focus on the negative impacts.