Firstly, I check the source because I refrain from giving traffic to publications I do not support.
Secondly, I check where the source has come from. Example: posted by CNN, exclusively from the BBC. I'd in that instance read the BBC article since CNN's writer may add unnecessary text for dramatic effect or rewrite the story in a completely different manner.. more often than not for their subtle agenda.
Thirdly, I'd then glance at the writer to see if I'm familiar with their work and how reliable they are. Depending on whether I was researching because their article was very good or extremely bad/offensive, I'd then look up their details to find out their employment history and academic achievements (if any.)
