Media Bias

Implicit

suggested or assumed but not obvious of explicitly stated.

Bias

prejudice; favoring one person or point of view more than others

Slant

occurs when journalists tell only part of a story. It can include cherry-picking information or data to support one side. It prevents readers from getting the full story, and narrows the scope of our understanding.

Omission of Source Attribution

An informative, balanced article should provide the background or context of a story, including naming sources (publishing "on-the-record" information). Sometimes, reporters will mention "opponents" or "supporters" without identifying who these sources are.

Mind reading

occurs in journalism when a writer assumes they know what another person thinks, or thinks that the way they see the world reflects the way the world really is.

Republican

A person who believes government power, particularly in the economy, should be limited in order to maximize individual freedom.

Subjective statement

A statement that is based on personal opinions, assumptions, beliefs, tastes, preferences, or interpretations. It reflects how the writer views reality, what they assume to be the truth. It is a statement colored by their specific perspective or lens and cannot be verified using concrete facts and figures within the article

Objective

Factual, related to reality or physical objects; not influenced by emotions, unbiased

Liberal

For conservatives in the country, liberal has become synonymous with loose-spending, morally corrupt, aggressive and deceptive. Of course, for those who identify to some degree as liberal or liberal-leaning, the word is reflective of positive traits such as open-mindedness, tolerance and social change. Hence, the synonym often used of "progressive."

Conservative

For liberals they might say the word refers to old-fashioned, out-dated convictions and communities resistant to change. For those would identify as conservatives they would say the word refers to defenders of truth and tradition against those who would subvert them.

Unsubstantiated Claims

Journalists sometimes make claims in their reporting without including evidence to back them up. This can occur in the headline of an article, or in the body. Statements that appear to be fact, but do not include specific evidence, are a key indication of this type of media bias.

Sensationalism/Emotionalism

Sensationalizing the presentation of information in a way that gives a shock or makes a deep impression. The language used is often dramatic, yet vague.

Opinion Statement Presented as Fact

Sometimes journalists use subjective language or statements under the appearance of reporting objectively. Even when a media outlet presents an article as a factual, hard news piece, it may employ subjective statements or language.

Political Polarization

The process by which the public opinion divides and goes to the extremes. Media biases can contribute to this.

Democrat

They see themselves and their party as representing and giving voice to all Americans and as seeing a role for government in ensuring opportunity, and a fair balance of power between "the people" and concentrated economic interests, through regulation, advancement of worker rights and oversight.

Spin

Vague, dramatic or sensational language. When journalists put a "spin" on a story, they push it away from objective, measurable facts. Spin is a form of media bias that clouds a reader's view, preventing them from getting a precise take on what happened.

Bias by Placement

When a media outlet prominently places news stories that coincide with a specific agenda while "burying" those that represent an opposing point of view.

Point of view

a particular way of considering a matter; the position from which an event or topic is observed.

Bias by Omission

a type of media bias in which media outlets choose not to cover certain stories or omit information that would support an alternative viewpoint.

Mudslinging/Ad Hominem

a type of media bias when unfair or insulting things are said about someone in order to damage their reputation. This bias makes attacks on a person's motive or character traits instead of the content of their argument or idea.

Flawed Logic

a way to misrepresent people's opinions or to arrive at conclusions that are not justified by the given evidence. Jumping to conclusions.

political preferences

attitudes that citizens have regarding policy issues, the performance of leaders, and their candidate selections in elections