Bias in the Media

A detailed Summary of Bias in the Media

Bias in the media is viewed as the unbalanced or otherwise sensationalized reporting of events or ideals, which may reflect the beliefs of those in the media and not the population as a whole. The media can persuade the population to view events, proposals, or agendas in a liberal or conservative manner. It is argued that these media organizations are not covering assignments factually, fairly, or fully, resulting in a bias in their coverage.

The power of mass media to persuade the population cannot be understated. If the media gives greater coverage, or sensationalizes only one theory, the population sways in the direction of the information supplied. The same is true for downplaying, or covert negativity in coverage. How and in what tone information is supplied to us can influence our opinion in a positive or negative way.

An example of this phenomenon is the Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta. Richard Joule was tried and convicted by the media. For weeks the media, in headlines and top stories, continually maligned him. When it was discovered he was completely innocent, coverage was minimal or nonexistent. His reputation and credibility was utterly destroyed. Five years later, if you ask who b

If we look hard enough we can establish a bias in everything we disagree with. Why should journalism be any different? Rush Limbaugh was lambasted for his conservative ideology and rhetoric. James Gaines was lambasted for his portrayal of Newt Gingrich in Time Magazine, exposing his liberal views. Is bias as recognizable in things compatible with our own views?

How these articles are presented even expresses a bias. Free Press clearly lists the occupational title and accomplishments of Rentschler, "publisher of The Rentschler Report, a national journal of independent opinions, is a three-time winner of the Chicago Headline Club and five-time Pulitzer Prize nominee." Heeding the Call on the other hand, just lists the authors' name. This suggests that one is more qualified or credible, and thus more believable than the other. Bias does not discriminate; it affects everyone, and every thing.

In these two articles, both authors are inherently hypocritical. They are writing about bias in the media and the dangers and consequences of that bias, yet each article contains the obvious bias of the author's ideology. The adjectives used in these articles to describe statements and events clearly reflect the support or opposition in positive or negative connotations. Rentschler writes "Air Force Association, made a strong, predictable case for beefed-up military outlays and greater preparedness" The adjective

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Approximate Word count = 960
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Politics