DODSON Management Consulting

DODSON MC

The Source Score:

Redefining Trust in Hyperlocal Journalism

BY KIP DODSON

What is the Source Score™? 

The Source Score is our revolutionary rating system designed to bring integrity, trust, and transparency back into journalism. It functions as a credibility ranking, much like a star rating for businesses, allowing readers to quickly assess the reliability of an article. The score operates on a five-star rating system, with five stars representing the highest standard of verified journalism and one star indicating a lack of sourcing and accountability. 

Our goal is simple: to provide readers with an independent and widely accepted rating that is easy to understand and serves as a clear measure of an article’s credibility within our hyperlocal news network. We believe Source Score™ will become the standard benchmark for trusted journalism. 

How Does the Source Score Work? 

In the near future, every article published on platforms like WilliamsonSource.com, and middletennesseesource.com and other hyperlocal sites within our ecosystem will start to report a Source Score™ based on key factors such as: 

  • Verification of Sources: Are the sources firsthand? Are they official, credible, and verifiable? 
  • Historical Accuracy: Has this journalist demonstrated a consistent track record of factual reporting? 
  • Engagement Metrics: Do readers engage with and trust this journalist’s work (measured by shares, comments, and likes)? 
  • Journalistic Transparency: Are sources clearly cited? Are alternative viewpoints included for balance? 

Breaking Down the Five-Star Source Score™ 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Highest Integrity) 

  • Article is based on firsthand sources or multiple verified sources 
  • Includes direct interviews, government records, official statements, or expert testimony 
  • Author has a strong track record of accurate reporting 
  • High engagement from readers based on shares, comments, and positive feedback 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Strong Credibility) 

  • Article includes mostly primary or well-verified secondary sources 
  • Author has proven reliability, but sources may not be as direct as a Level 10 
  • Engagement is high, with active discussions and community trust 

⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate Reliability) 

  • Article is somewhat sourced, but lacks deep verification 
  • Some references may be indirect or opinion-based 
  • Engagement is moderate, with mixed reader reception 

⭐⭐ (Low Credibility) 

  • Sources are weak, anonymous, or unverified 
  • Article contains a mix of opinion and minimal factual reporting 
  • Engagement is low, and reader skepticism is evident 

⭐ (Unverified Opinion / Misinformation Risk) 

  • No verifiable sources 
  • Primarily opinion, speculation, or editorial bias 
  • Minimal engagement, few shares, and little credibility 

Why the Source Score Matters 

For too long, readers have had to navigate a media landscape filled with uncertainty about which sources to trust. The Source Score™ eliminates that uncertainty by providing a transparent, data-driven assessment of an article’s credibility. Readers deserve clear indicators of reliability, and the Source Score™ delivers just that. It’s not just about accountability—it’s about empowering readers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. At the same time, it motivates journalists to uphold higher standards, rewarding those who produce fact-based, well-sourced reporting with enhanced credibility, visibility, and financial support. 

The Future of the Source Score 

As we continue refining the Source Score, we envision integrating it as a real-time, automated tool that analyzes articles at scale, providing live credibility ratings across our entire news network. This will allow: 

  • Readers to instantly gauge an article’s trustworthiness before engaging with it 
  • Journalists to see how their reporting stacks up and improve their sourcing 
  • Advertisers to align their brands with the highest-rated, most credible journalism 

This is just the beginning. Over time, the Source Score will become an essential feature for the next generation of hyperlocal journalism, restoring trust, credibility, and accountability to the news industry. 

Conclusion 

At DodsonMC, EmpowerLocal, and Source Local Media, we are not just reporting the news—we are engineering a journalism revolution from the ground up. The Source Score is our next step in ensuring that every article published within our network meets a higher standard of truth. This initiative aligns with the core mission of the Seek Greater Truth Project, an effort pioneered by Dodson Management Consulting to elevate journalistic integrity and public trust. 

This is our mission. It continues our journey to Engineer Integrity back into the News.  This is how we restore integrity to journalism – by applying engineering principles and the real Scientific method towards Seeking Greater Truth for us all.  And we invite you to be part of it. 

Explore Our Digital Marketing Insights

Discover expert insights on digital marketing! Click below to explore our blog for valuable strategies, trends, and perspectives to grow your business

Explore Our Marketing Insights

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The founder and managing partner of DodsonMC who brings: 32 years of experience enhancing operations for Fortune 500 companies. A Vanderbilt Executive MBA and an Industrial Engineering undergraduate degree. Over 20 years of success in owning and growing his own businesses. A vast network of partners that have driven accelerated results.
Kip Dodson
Kip DodsonFounder

Everywhere you turn, someone is looking for a social media “guru” to grow their business. While social media is important, it’s only one part of a larger equation. At Dodson Management Consulting (DodsonMC.com) and SourceLocalMedia.com, we’ve proven that lasting business success starts with mastering the Digital Basics and your Source Formula. 

By Kip Dodson

Key Features:

Foundation Tool: Our journey begins with the Source’ Digital Diagnostic Tool, essential for evaluating your current position before investing in new technology, capital improvements, or marketing strategies.
Why It Matters: Why It Matters: In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the Source Score helps determine your readiness to adapt and succeed.
Proven ROI: By following the Source Score roadmap, you can clearly see and measure your return on investment as you progress.
Video Thumbnail
Scroll to Top