Bias

Mass Media

• definition: means of communication that reach large, widely dispersed audiences simultaneously

• newspapers, magazines, radio, television, internet

The Squeaky Wheel

• media is frequently said to be mirrors as well as molders of opinion

• often claimed that the views expressed in newspaper editorials, news magazines, TV, and blogs are good indicators of public opinion

• the media is not always accurate of public opinion, often reflecting only views of vocal minorities

Bias

• prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or a group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair

Bias of Omission

• leaving out the other side completely

• occurs either within a story or over along term of a news outlet

• be aware of the conservative and liberal perspectives on current issues

Bias by selection of sources

• including more sources that support one view or another

• can be seen when a reporter uses such phrases as “experts believe“, “observers say“

• experts in news stories are like expert witnesses in trials

• when a news story only presents one side, it is obviously the side the reporter supports
  - journalists look for quotes to fit their favorite argument into a news story

Bias by placement

• story placement is a measure of how important the editor considers the story

Bias by labeling