Final answer:
The verification rule with two or more sources is not related to the ruling elite theory, money machine theory, grassroots theory, nor professional subculture theory. It aligns more with journalism and research practices, making 'none of the above' the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cardinal rule of verifying a story with two or more sources is most likely to influence the theory which involves scrutiny of information and watchdog functionalities. Considering the options provided, none of the listed theories, such as ruling elite theory, money machine theory, grassroots theory, or professional subculture theory, directly relate to the process of verification of facts or stories in a manner akin to journalistic or research practices. Therefore, the most appropriate answer would be e) none of the above.
Verification with multiple sources is more associated with journalistic integrity and research methodologies than with the theories mentioned. The ruling elite theory, which implies that a small group of elites hold the power within a society, would not inherently require the verification of a story with multiple sources as a basis for the theory itself. Similar reasoning applies to the other options provided, as none specifically target the verification of information as their core tenet.