Wiki source code of Source Reliability Bundle

Version 1.1 by Robert Schaub on 2026/01/02 14:49

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1 = FactHarbor Source Reliability Bundle =
2
3 FactHarbor uses configurable source reliability scores to assess the credibility of sources during fact-checking. These scores come from [[Media Bias/Fact Check (MBFC)>>https://mediabiasfactcheck.com]], a scientifically validated media bias database.
4
5 == Quick Start ==
6
7 === Option 1: Use Sample Bundle (50 sources) ===
8
9 A sample bundle with 50 common sources is included:
10
11 {{code language="powershell"}}
12 # Copy sample bundle to project root
13 copy source-bundle-sample.json source-bundle.json
14
15 # Add to .env.local
16 echo FH_SOURCE_BUNDLE_PATH=./source-bundle.json >> apps\web\.env.local
17 {{/code}}
18
19 === Option 2: Full MBFC Database (9,500+ sources) ===
20
21 For comprehensive coverage, fetch the full MBFC database via RapidAPI:
22
23 {{code language="powershell"}}
24 # 1. Get RapidAPI key from https://rapidapi.com/mbfcnews/api/media-bias-fact-check-ratings-api2
25
26 # 2. Set environment variable and run loader
27 set RAPIDAPI_KEY=your_key_here
28 npx ts-node apps\web\src\lib\mbfc-loader.ts ./source-bundle.json
29
30 # 3. Configure FactHarbor to use the bundle
31 echo FH_SOURCE_BUNDLE_PATH=./source-bundle.json >> apps\web\.env.local
32 {{/code}}
33
34 == Configuration ==
35
36 === Environment Variables ===
37
38 |= Variable |= Description |= Default
39 | {{code}}FH_SOURCE_BUNDLE_PATH{{/code}} | Path to source bundle JSON file | None (no scores)
40 | {{code}}RAPIDAPI_KEY{{/code}} | RapidAPI key for MBFC loader | None
41
42 === Score Interpretation ===
43
44 |= Score Range |= MBFC Rating |= Interpretation
45 | 0.90 - 0.99 | Very High | Wire services, fact-checkers (Reuters, AP, FactCheck.org)
46 | 0.80 - 0.89 | High | Quality journalism (BBC, NPR, Economist)
47 | 0.70 - 0.79 | Mostly Factual | Generally reliable with some issues
48 | 0.50 - 0.69 | Mixed | Verify claims independently
49 | 0.30 - 0.49 | Low | Unreliable, often misleading
50 | 0.05 - 0.29 | Very Low | Conspiracy, fake news, pseudoscience
51
52 == Bundle Format ==
53
54 The source bundle is a JSON file with this structure:
55
56 {{code language="json"}}
57 {
58 "version": "1.0.0",
59 "generated": "2026-01-01T00:00:00.000Z",
60 "sourceCount": 50,
61 "provider": "Media Bias/Fact Check",
62 "providerUrl": "https://mediabiasfactcheck.com",
63 "sources": {
64 "reuters.com": 0.95,
65 "apnews.com": 0.95,
66 "bbc.com": 0.85,
67 "foxnews.com": 0.30
68 },
69 "metadata": {
70 "reuters.com": {
71 "name": "Reuters",
72 "factual": "very high",
73 "bias": "least biased"
74 }
75 }
76 }
77 {{/code}}
78
79 == Why MBFC? ==
80
81 Media Bias/Fact Check was chosen because:
82
83 # **Scientifically Validated**: Studies show "almost perfect" inter-rater reliability when compared to independent fact-checking datasets
84 # **Comprehensive**: 9,500+ sources rated
85 # **Transparent Methodology**: Clear criteria for bias and factual reporting ratings
86 # **API Available**: Programmatic access via RapidAPI
87 # **Regularly Updated**: Ratings are reviewed and updated
88
89 == Design Decisions ==
90
91 === No Hard-coded Defaults ===
92
93 FactHarbor does **not** include hard-coded source reliability scores. All scores must come from the configured bundle. This ensures:
94
95 * **Transparency**: All scoring is traceable to the bundle
96 * **Configurability**: Organizations can use their own ratings
97 * **No Hidden Bias**: No implicit assumptions about source reliability
98
99 === Sources Without Scores ===
100
101 If a source is not in the bundle, it returns {{code}}null{{/code}} (unknown reliability). The analyzer will still use the source but won't apply a reliability weight.
102
103 == Updating the Bundle ==
104
105 To refresh the bundle with latest MBFC data:
106
107 {{code language="powershell"}}
108 set RAPIDAPI_KEY=your_key_here
109 npx ts-node apps\web\src\lib\mbfc-loader.ts ./source-bundle.json
110 {{/code}}
111
112 Consider scheduling this monthly to capture MBFC rating updates.
113
114 == References ==
115
116 * [[MBFC Methodology>>https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/methodology/]]
117 * [[MBFC API on RapidAPI>>https://rapidapi.com/mbfcnews/api/media-bias-fact-check-ratings-api2]]
118 * [[Wikipedia: Media Bias/Fact Check>>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_Bias/Fact_Check]]