Top 7 myths about using news for due diligence

June 3, 2025/ Marcy Phelps / Due diligence, Information sources / 4 comments

When it comes to due diligence and background investigations, it’s easy to assume that public records and proprietary databases are all you need. While those sources are certainly important, news coverage can offer something they often don’t—context. News stories can provide unique insights, reveal red flags, and help you dig deeper into your findings. Still, there are plenty of misconceptions about using news in investigations, and these myths can hold us back.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common myths—and the reality behind them:

Myth #1: Public Records Are Enough

Public records are a great starting point, but they don’t tell the whole story. Many significant developments never make it into court filings or government databases. News articles can surface details about business deals, legal disputes, or regulatory issues that haven’t yet entered official records—or may never appear there at all. They help fill in the blanks and uncover leads you might otherwise miss.

Myth #2: News Sources Are Just Fluff

Some see news as too soft to be useful in an investigation. But solid reporting can reveal a lot—how someone responds to pressure, how they handle setbacks, and what others say about them. That kind of detail matters. You’ll also find images, graphics, and maps that add helpful context to your findings.

Myth #3: Online News Can’t Be Trusted

It’s true that misinformation is out there, but that doesn’t mean all online news is unreliable. The key is to evaluate your sources carefully. Ask yourself: Is this source reputable? Are the facts verifiable? Premium databases like LexisNexis and Factiva include vetted news sources with editorial oversight. And once you develop a system for evaluating what you find, online news becomes a powerful part of your toolbox.

Myth #4: Google Covers It All

Google is a great place to start, but it’s not the finish line. Many valuable articles—especially older content or trade publications—won’t show up in a basic search. That’s where news databases and specialized sources come in. A layered search strategy helps you catch what others miss.

Myth #5: Only Negative News Matters

Yes, red flags are important—but so is seeing the full picture. Positive coverage can highlight accomplishments, community involvement, and leadership qualities that matter just as much. Balanced reporting helps you avoid confirmation bias and make more informed decisions.

Myth #6: AI Can Do It for Me

GenAI tools like ChatGPT can help with brainstorming or analysis, but they don’t replace solid research. These tools aren’t built for real-time, comprehensive news searching. They can point you in a direction, but you still need to verify, cross-check, and dig into the details using multiple trusted sources.

Myth #7: News Research Takes Too Much Time

It doesn’t have to. A strategic approach to news searching—starting broad, refining keywords, and using filters—can actually save time. Tools like alerts and monitoring services also keep you updated without constant manual searching.

The reality: is that news sources help fill critical gaps in your investigations. When done right, news research:

• Reveals information you won’t find in public records
• Provides leads and helps with verification
• Adds personality, behavior, and context
• Keeps you current on trends and developments
• Strengthens your findings with another layer of intelligence

Don’t let these myths limit your investigations. With the right strategies and tools, news sources can add depth and insight that your clients will appreciate. The more complete the picture, the better the decisions—and that’s what due diligence is all about.

Tags due diligencenews