Media Bias
By definition, the word bias refers to showing an unjustified favoritism toward something or someone. Thus, on a very simplistic level, media bias refers to the media exhibiting an unjustifiable favoritism as they cover the news. When the media transmit biased news reports, those reports present viewers with an inaccurate, unbalanced, and/or unfair view of the world around them.
Levasseur, David G. "Media Bias." Encyclopedia of Political Communication, Lynda Lee Kaid, Sage Publications, 2008.
When trying to spot bias, ask yourself these questions:
1. What kind of information is it?
News? Opinion? Ad? Does it appeal to your emotions or does it make you think?
2. Who and what are the sources cited and why should you believe them?
Is the source given? Is the source associated with a political party or special interest group?
3. What’s the evidence and how was it vetted?
Is the source a document? Witness? Or is it hearsay/speculation?
4: Is the main point of the piece proven by the evidence?
Did the sources provided justify the conclusion or main point of the story?
5. What’s missing?
Was there an aspect or point that was not covered or unclear that you are left wondering about?
Attribution: COM Library at College of the Mainland, Texas City,TX. Based on American Press Institute.
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