Yes, but people quoted or referenced can provide their signature as proof to say they not only agree this is correct but that they also confirm it is not taken out of context or misconstrued.
I agree, you could probably attach some kind of social proof key-ring to news articles. That said, I feel like this would devolve into a "social currency for real currency" under-the-table paid sponsorship kind of deal rather quickly. We seem to have plenty of stealth ads nowadays, and it's especially disconcerting because iirc only 1 in 10 could discern them. I guess it could still be worth giving a shot in the hands of the right tinkerer.