Reading Between the Lines
How to identify media bias before it influences your vote.
Do Americans even consider networks like CNN, MSNBC (MS Now), Fox News, The New York Times, Washington Post, or NPR news? Granted, these outlets are often referred to as “old media,” but even so, let’s say they are considered news; what should be their responsibility? Are they meeting that responsibility? Are they meeting the expectations of the citizens they serve? Is this why they are considered “old” and losing consumers? Or do more Americans see this “old” media as propaganda, or “fake news”?
As someone who follows the news, there is no doubt that there has been and continues to be a bias in ‘old media’. Most of the network news outlets are unfriendly to Republicans and overly friendly to Democrats. On CNN or MSNBC(MS Now), they will ask softball questions and little to no push back, even on flatly false information, or when they go on an anti-Republican rant.
Be wary of Republicans who go on these networks; if it isn’t contentious, they are likely a wishy-washy Republican.
On the other hand, Fox News’ bias is to the right, and of course, guests will go on anti-Democrat rants, but the host will push back on Republicans and Democrats who are brave enough to go on Fox. Most Democrats do not go on Fox, but those who do are generally the more pragmatic, at least about whatever they are there to discuss. Personally, I like Bret Baier; he gets a lot of great interviews, and he is always respectful but will push back on inaccurate details. Overall, he is very good at being neural (Grossman).
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Media bias is not a new phenomenon; it has a long history. If you can’t see it currently, remember the final debate with Biden and Trump. Many of the media outlets had been covering for Joe Biden and his clear, dramatic aging. He often rambled and stumbled over his words, but they would say, “Don’t make fun of him, he’s overcome a stutter.” (Kelly et al.). Meanwhile, no one was making fun of him. He fell up the stairs of Air Force One, so he often had to take the short stairs.
He would often wander off stage or at world events; he was even given cue cards with questions and answers from reporters, along with their pictures, to make him appear more competent. (Mind you, the press corps is generally the same people)
The entire administration would say that he was sharp, and they couldn’t keep up with him. Despite his daily schedule often being empty, he would call lids (no more public appearances) early in the day. The point is, the media was always locked and loaded with a reason, and all of them would parrot the same White House line. These kinds of cover-ups go back in history as far as I could find. From the “Party Press Era” where I would say politics really began, the Holocaust denials and cover-ups, to current events. (Bulla) To navigate the propaganda and the political slop, ask yourself:
- “Is the same story the focus of every channel you try?” (overreporting)
- “Is it worth all the attention?”
- “Are they using the same verbiage?”
- “Does it sound like they are all reading from the same teleprompter?” (Give or take a word or two)
- “Is the general message energy good or bad?” (“New Study Explains”).
If your answers are yes and the general energy makes you feel fear, anger, disgust, or some other negative emotion, then it is likely propaganda. This, presuming it is a political story, not some crazy, tragic event that should evoke emotion. Also, assuming you are seeking information, rather than partisan agreement or confirmation. If the general energy is good or sympathetic, I would still ask things like:
- Are they trying to sugarcoat something more serious? (underreporting)
- Is the position or person a Democrat or a Republican?
- What is the motive for positivity?
- Will it be beneficial to me personally?
- Will it help the United States?
Currently, politics in America is extremely polarized, and everyone has an opinion. The problem is that there are a lot of people purporting to be journalists. The fact is, many are flat-out lying. The ridiculous virtue signalling has gone too far; it is insane. However, if you are going to call yourself a news network, then you have a responsibility to be accurate. So if you are just trying to get true information on what is happening in the world, then I hope this will help you start to read between the lines enough to vote in your own best interest for someone who will get things done.
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