Political Spectrum and Media Bias

Media Bias

the bias or perceived bias of journalists and news producers within the mass media in the selection of events and stories that are reported and how they are covered

spin

when journalists use certain words and phrases that avoid objective and measurable facts to put their own " spin" on a story

unsubstantiated claims

Statements that appear to be fact, but do not include specific evidence

Opinion statement presented as facts

passes subjective information as objective. This is done by using vague language that can be easily manipulated.

Sensationalism/Emotionalism

Information is presented in a way that gives a shock or makes a deep impression.

Mudslinging/Ad Hominem

unfair or insulting things are said about someone in order to damage their reputation

mind reading

The writer assumes that they know what someone is thinking, or that their world view is the only world view

slant

The imbalance in a story that covers one candidate or policy favorably without providing similar coverage of the other side.

flawed logic

A reasoning for an argument that is not true- leads to flawed conclusions

Bias by omission

When the media leaves out one side or aspect of a story.

Omission of source attribution

reporters will mention "immigration opponents" or "supporters of the bill" without identifying who these sources are.;

Bias by placement

A pattern of placing news stories so as to downplay information supportive of a certain groups views

left

liberal points of view that usually align with ideas promoted by democrats

center

moderate points of view that typically do not align with either political party

right

conservative points of view that usually align with ideas promoted by republicans

Centeralists/moderates

A Centrist is an independent. You do not hold yourself to the party politics of the right or left.

What is far right?

fascism

What is far left?

Communism

What are the 5 characteristics of the moderate/centrist ideas?

-Want a productive government

-You prioritize wants and needs over actually caring about what is happening in the government

-Restraint on taxes and government spending

-Believe of individualism

-Strong government