Bias
At the root of media bias, is plain old bias, or an inclination towards a position or conclusion, often manifesting in a prejudice. Media bias, then, is simply when media outlets show an inclination towards a particular position or conclusion.
The issue with biased media is that biased news reports present the public with an inaccurate, unbalanced, and/or unfair views of the world around them which will only lead to deeper rooted biases.
- Interactive Chart from Ad FontesThe Media Bias chart rates multiple articles from each source it is reviewing. For each article, three different reviewers, who self-identify as center, left, or right rate the article on bias and credibility using metrics that attempt to encapsulate, expression, veracity, headlines, political position, language, and comparison.
- Should You Trust Media Bias Charts? - Article from PoynterWhile media bias charts are useful tools when beginning to learn the different ways news companies report supposed facts. However, there are many issues with the charts and how they rank sources that you should also be aware of. This article begins to dig into these complexities.
How can You Spot Biased News?
Reporting news is a human endeavor. It is written by humans, about humans, for humans. Every human being has their own outlook on the world, which will affect how people talk about and view events that happen. This is to say that to be human is to be biased, and those biases will always be reflected in the news to some extent.
There are news outlets that put checks on their own biases, while other outlets embrace their particular biases. While both approaches could be useful, it is important that you know how to recognize a biased source when you encounter one.
Need more help working through the bias of a source? Work through this worksheet:
- Question Your SourceWhen you are looking at a source, you need to keep an open mind and honestly evaluate the biases of the source (setting aside your own biases). Asking yourself these questions will help.
For more information: Fair.org's How to Detect Bias in Media
How Can You Use Biased News?
When deciding whether to use a biased source, first you need to decide how much you trust the truthfulness of the source. If the source is so biased that you cannot trust the evidence that the author provides, DO NOT USE THE SOURCE.
However, many news sources will take a pro or con outlook on an issue, while still providing valid facts. These sources are great to use in an argumentative paper. You can also use them in informative papers, just follow these guidelines:
- Be aware of how a biased source is shaping your view of an issue, and attempt to remain neutral.
- Be extra rigorous when fact-checking all evidence used in the source.
- Identify the source's bias for your reader when you use it in a paper.
- Find and present a source that has an opposing view in your paper.