Reliability of Sources

To explore the reliability of our sources of news

After exploring the cognitive biases information here, which one (or two) do you think you are most susceptible to and why?

The following are common forms of media bias:

• • Placement

  • Headings

  • Photo captions and camera angles

  • Word Choice and Tone

  • Selection and Omission

Bias Through Placement

Where a story is placed influences what a reader will think about its importance. Consider this when looking at news. Which stories are given the most prominence which ones are buried at the back of the paper, the middle of a broadcast, or not readily accessible online? Is it a full-length feature or minor column? These are all things to consider when looking for bias through placement.

Bias Through Headlines

Headlines are the most read part of a paper. They can summarize as well as present carefully hidden bias and prejudices. They can convey excitement where little exists; they can express approval or condemnation; they can steer public opinion.

Bias Through Photo Captions and Camera Angles

How can the different images be used to suggest guilt or innocence in a biased way by the media? Notice how the attractiveness of the photos, the backgrounds that have been chosen, and the captions are used to create different portrayals.

Bias Through Word Choice and Tone

Word choice is a key tool reporters use to subtly convey bias. Media consumers must be aware of this in order to protect themselves from bias quietly injected in the news. Words are never created equal. Even synonyms vary as far as connotation. 

Bias Through Selection and Omission

An editor can express a bias by choosing to use or not to use a specific news item. Within a given story, some details can be ignored, and others included to give readers or viewers a different opinion about the events reported.

If during a speech, a few people boo, the reaction can be described as “remarks greeted by jeers” or they can be ignored as “a handful of dissidents…” or perhaps not even be mentioned.

Bias through omission is difficult to detect. Only by comparing news reports from a wide variety of outlets can this form of bias be observed. One way to detect bias through selection and omission or to simply help combat bias may be to visit websites like allsides.com. Click on the image below to see the latest news coverage from all sides.

Complete the following activity by looking at two articles, one from the left and one from the right. Allsides.com is likely the best place to start.

1.  Given Noam Chomsky’s media theory on manufactured consent as described in the image and video below, why might media concentration need to be addressed? 

2. As we prepare to start our discussions on Power in Global Politics, explain the role that power plays in Noam Chomsky's theory of manufactured consent.