By: David Ramos

A particular media outlet creating an image or argument that favors their particular interests

Reporting that is unbiased Does not attempt to persuade the

audience to assume a specific stance on an issue

Fashions itself as “watchdogs” Pretend to expose corruption Give the false impression that they have

ethics

Example of Bias: MSNBC vs. Fox News

Coverage was analyzed by the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism

Nonpartisan and unbiased organization

Both agencies guilty of bias MSNBC blatant bias for Obama Fox News much more objective, but still

subtle bias

WHAT ABOUT NEUTRALITY?

7 people interviewed 4 people did not care or did not realize

media is biased 3 other people believed that bias

determined the recent Presidential election

Marketed directly to the public On TV and the Internet

The ads say it treats “general anxiety disorder”

DSM IV does not include “general anxiety disorder”

“Anxiety Disorder NOS” is in the manual Language is changed to be more

inclusive

Marketed for a disease that does not exist

Media companies run the ads for money

Where are the “watchdogs”?

Money > Ethics

STOP WATCHING!!! Be critical of what you hear Look through the spin: fact vs. opinion Use several sources to develop opinions Be informed Encourage others to boycott biased

agencies

Almost all media is biased The media cannot fix itself

“The price of democracy is eternal vigilance” -Thomas Jefferson