Independence can be claimed within the source itself. Writer and editor are obliged to identify their sources. They might weasel out by citing a highly placed source in the administration reporting on condition of anonymity. Remember that this need for reliable and valid information is based in the subsequent use of the information. If you are going to act upon information, if you are going to risk investment of assets, then you need information that is reliable and valid.
Face validity is a lower standard than validity.
It reflects an observer's judgment that information appears to be valid. The observer calls upon experience and the pool of information already owned as the measure of validity. You may check with others to see if it conforms to similar situations. When you claim that a piece of information has face validity, you raise the possibility that it may not meet the test of absolute validity. Either report is congruent with your expectations.