Difference between revisions of "Media bias"

Revision as of 12:40, April 6, 2007

Media bias is a natural result of the differing opinions of persons involved in the media, specifically news-media, which may show through to various degrees in program content or focus. Most journalism schools attempt to eliminate bias as much as possible, although efforts are not always successful. Left wing media bias has become a rallying cry for most right wing groups, in the United States in particular, who view it as a symptom of the degeneration of traditional values and and possibly even a cohesive conspiracy to corrupt America's values.

Conservapedia came about confronting radical liberal bias, See: Examples of Bias in Wikipedia

It has been reported that one of the major mainstream media (MSM) organisations, the BBC admits anti Christian & anti Israel bias. ^{[1] [2]} & has been accused by an Archbishop as being pro Islam & frightened of criticising Islam ^[3].

Noticeable sites are:

MediaResearch (MRC) calls itself "America's media watchdog" ^[4], NewsBusters is a blog dedicated to "Exposing & Combating Liberal Media Bias" ^[5], ChronWatch a noted media watchdog and conservative news organization, with a mission to provide honest, alternative views to the increasing liberal-bias ^[6].

On the Middle East and anti Israel bias:

HonestReporting: A fast-action website that monitors Mideast media bias, ^[7], CAMERA dedicated for accuracy in reporting on the middle east ^[8], Take a pen encourages fighting it ^[9].

Sources of bias

1. Deliberate propaganda: Presenting bias with the intention of benefiting the media establishment.
2. Institutional bias: The reporters and editors of a media organisation may hold political views, which influence their reporting.
3. Sensationalism: Media depends on viewers for financial support. Thus 'irrelevant' stories may receive attention disproportionate to their impact.
4. Omission: The inverse of sensationalism, media may overlook important but boring stories.
5. Simplification: Highly complicated subjects may be omitted or greatly simplified, to avoid alienating viewers or making them feel uneducated.
6. Bias avoiding: Ironically, attempts to avoid bias may themselves induce bias. This is particularly evident in popular reporting of scientific news. If the vast majority of scientists in a field support one position, and a minority support an opposing position, media may feel obliged to give equal air time to both sides - thus introducing a bias towards the minority position.
7. Political correctness or sensitivity: Fearful of appearing racist or discriminatory, media may avoid any stories which reflect negatively on a ethnic, social or religious group, especially if the group is a minority.
8. Audience bias: Readers or viewers tent to read news sources with which they agree. Thus, media must reinforce the existing views of their audience, or risk losing them. This source of bias can also reinforce the effect of a moral panic.

Notes

• Christian groups accuse BBC drama of inciting anti-Christian bias ^[10]

• Canadian Jewish Authors Castigate Anti-Christian Media Bias ^[11]

• European Media and Anti-Israel Bias, A British journalist in Israel, Fatah leader caught by an Israeli army camera saying, "Don't start the stoning yet" ^[12]

• Recognizing Bias in Middle East Reporting: Rules for Reporters. What is media bias and why is it practiced against Israel? The Media's Anti-Israel Bias ^[13]

• Anti-Israel Bias – An Endless Battle, trying to counter the anti-Israel bias in the media is an increasingly challenging proposition. ^[14]

• Does the Media's anti-Israel bias matter? ^[15]

• Fighting hate & bias ^[16]

• Addressing Anti Israel Media Bias · European Media and Anti-Israel Bias ^[17]

• The day when the media will not be anti-Israel biased ^[18]

• Tom Gross on New York Times & Israel on National Review Online ^[19]

• French Media Bias Against Israel Blamed for Anti-Semitic Violence ^[20]

• WorldNetDaily: Liberal bias against Christians? Not a chance! ^[21]

References