What process exists for fact-checking independent analysts? Most have zero accountability and have even less incentive to verify claims because 1) It takes time and money 2) Often does not serve their own political agendas and subscriber bases/income streams

Yes, placing our complete trust in a few major media outlets to accurately report the facts is naive. But believing that individuals with no independent fact checking department or an editor to enforce journalistic standards will somehow be less biased is even more naive.

They absolutely do. They get things wrong sometimes. But by and large, they operate on journalistic principles and standards.

This is an unjustified statement, but also one that admits to tipping the scales upon mere convenience.

"The full source material is what keeps journalism honest," said a man who is now in prison somewhere.

They choose how to spin stories based on biases to the point where they are effectively reporting different "facts".

The other week I posted the below, which are headlines for the same 3 stories on the same day from CNN and Fox, arguably 2 of the biggest "news" sources in the U.S. These headlines are effectively opinions with the aim of gaslighting their respective audience. It's not healthy.

FOX: Trump touts historic stock market jump as Dow tops 'sacred number,'

CNN: Dow tops 30,000 for the first time ever as Biden transition begins

FOX: Biden's pick for national security adviser defended anti-Trump Steele dossier

CNN: 'The team meets this moment:' Biden introduces top admin nominees

FOX: Happy Thanksgiving! State relaxes gathering limits ahead of holiday

CNN: Doctor fights back tears describing single day of heartbreaking losses

Neither of those cable entertainment channels are what many would consider "journalism".