Secret's out!

[Sofiyya 1,687]

http://www.mrc.org/biasbasics/biasbasics1.asp

[_Simpson_ 250]

Are things fair and blanced in the media? If not which way are they leaning?

Saying that the left isn't over represented in TV and newspapers is like saying that the right isn't over represented on the radio.

IMO, I think it's the wrong approach to journalism - to try and bring 'fairness and balance', because it implies that there are opposing sides to every story and that all sides deserve equal consideration and coverage. It's up to the journalists to use journalistic integrity by not necessarily removing their own opinion on the matter, but by asking the right questions, playing the devil's advocate when needed, showing when there is a legitimate opposing view or views and making a clear distinction between editorial news and regular news coverage. My biggest gripe is that too often those lines are blurred and I think it is done so deliberately to persuade the viewers that what they are getting isn't really opinion, but just someone reporting to them the facts.

its this blurring of these line that gives us a media that isnt fair and balanced. A balance I would argue that leans to the left. The journalist today are overwhelmingly liberal and they are unfortunately blurring those lines you mentioned.

Editorial news is editorial news. A study I read showed that while regular newspaper journalists tended to be lean left politically, the editors tended to lean to the right. About all you can do is call a specific news media out when they distort the truth, but as far as shutting up political opinion, whether it's Rush Limbaugh or Keith Olberman, your best defense is to use your remote and simply turn them off.

What I like about Rush and his way is that we know were he is coming from, he is conservative. We dont get the kind of certainty from editorial news like the the LA Times. Do you think that the LA times, Seattle PI and the New York Times leans to the left or would you consider them center?

[Sofiyya 1,687]

The prominent mainstream tv and print media is not only overwhelming liberal, but have become advocates of liberal causes. That is where the tipping point from merely annoying leftist bias to deeply disturbing denial, imbalance, and lack of professionalism has become unavoidably obvious.

[_Simpson_ 250]

The prominent mainstream tv and print media is not only overwhelming liberal, but have become advocates of liberal causes. That is where the tipping point from merely annoying leftist bias to deeply disturbing denial, imbalance, and lack of professionalism has become unavoidably obvious.

I agree 210%

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I thought this study was pretty illuminating....

This is a pretty good one too.

Of course the bias debate - at least as far as the US media goes is itself corrupt and self-serving. Partisan politics seems to be all pervasive here.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

What I like about Rush and his way is that we know were he is coming from, he is conservative. We dont get the kind of certainty from editorial news like the the LA Times. Do you think that the LA times, Seattle PI and the New York Times leans to the left or would you consider them center?

Are you talking about the editorial pages of those newspapers or their regular news? Or are you saying that newspapers no longer make any distinction between the two?

.....

Here's something from the Society of Professional Journalists. Tell me if any of this you don't agree with...

Preamble

Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society's principles and standards of practice.

Seek Truth and Report It

Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Journalists should:

— Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible.

— Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.

— Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability.

— Always question sources' motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises.

— Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.

— Never distort the content of news photos or video. Image enhancement for technical clarity is always permissible. Label montages and photo illustrations.

— Avoid misleading re-enactments or staged news events. If re-enactment is necessary to tell a story, label it.

— Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story

— Never plagiarize.

— Tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so.

— Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others.

— Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.

— Support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.

— Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.

— Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.

— Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.

— Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public's business is conducted in the open and that government records are open to inspection.

Minimize Harm

Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.

Journalists should:

— Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.

— Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.

— Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.

— Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy.

— Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.

— Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.

— Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.

— Balance a criminal suspect's fair trial rights with the public's right to be informed.

Act Independently

Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know.

Journalists should:

—Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.

— Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.

— Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.

— Disclose unavoidable conflicts.

— Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.

— Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.

— Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news.

Be Accountable

Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.

Journalists should:

— Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.

— Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media.

— Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.

— Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.

— Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.

http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Rush is a journalist?

Wow...

[sj5 4]

I'm surrounded with Liberal teachers. I didn't care what they said. I just want my grades.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I'm surrounded with Liberal teachers. I didn't care what they said. I just want my grades.

Back in the Philippines, were you this politically conscious or did your husband introduce you to U.S. politics?

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

<-------I am amused.

[Peikko 1,575]

It's surprising to me that the omnipotent VW doesn't wade in and 'save' the media from the dirty libruls. Seems to me that would be an excellent use for her off shore millions.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I've decided to delgate that mission

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Are things fair and blanced in the media? If not which way are they leaning?

Saying that the left isn't over represented in TV and newspapers is like saying that the right isn't over represented on the radio.

IMO, I think it's the wrong approach to journalism - to try and bring 'fairness and balance', because it implies that there are opposing sides to every story and that all sides deserve equal consideration and coverage. It's up to the journalists to use journalistic integrity by not necessarily removing their own opinion on the matter, but by asking the right questions, playing the devil's advocate when needed, showing when there is a legitimate opposing view or views and making a clear distinction between editorial news and regular news coverage. My biggest gripe is that too often those lines are blurred and I think it is done so deliberately to persuade the viewers that what they are getting isn't really opinion, but just someone reporting to them the facts.

its this blurring of these line that gives us a media that isnt fair and balanced. A balance I would argue that leans to the left. The journalist today are overwhelmingly liberal and they are unfortunately blurring those lines you mentioned.

Editorial news is editorial news. A study I read showed that while regular newspaper journalists tended to be lean left politically, the editors tended to lean to the right. About all you can do is call a specific news media out when they distort the truth, but as far as shutting up political opinion, whether it's Rush Limbaugh or Keith Olberman, your best defense is to use your remote and simply turn them off.

Wow! I find both those dweebs annoying as hell! Maybe there is hope for our friendship, after all!

[_Simpson_ 250]

What I like about Rush and his way is that we know were he is coming from, he is conservative. We dont get the kind of certainty from editorial news like the the LA Times. Do you think that the LA times, Seattle PI and the New York Times leans to the left or would you consider them center?

Are you talking about the editorial pages of those newspapers or their regular news? Or are you saying that newspapers no longer make any distinction between the two?

.....

Here's something from the Society of Professional Journalists. Tell me if any of this you don't agree with...

Preamble

Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society's principles and standards of practice.

</a>Seek Truth and Report It

Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Journalists should:

— Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible.

— Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.

— Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability.

— Always question sources' motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises.

— Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.

— Never distort the content of news photos or video. Image enhancement for technical clarity is always permissible. Label montages and photo illustrations.

— Avoid misleading re-enactments or staged news events. If re-enactment is necessary to tell a story, label it.

— Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story

— Never plagiarize.

— Tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so.

— Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others.

— Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.

— Support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.

— Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.

— Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.

— Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.

— Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public's business is conducted in the open and that government records are open to inspection.

Minimize Harm

Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.

Journalists should:

— Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.

— Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.

— Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.

— Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy.

— Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.

— Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.

— Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.

— Balance a criminal suspect's fair trial rights with the public's right to be informed.

Act Independently

Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know.

Journalists should:

—Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.

— Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.

— Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.

— Disclose unavoidable conflicts.

— Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.

— Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.

— Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news.

Be Accountable

Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.

Journalists should:

— Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.

— Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media.

— Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.

— Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.

— Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.

<a href="http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp" target="_blank">http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp

I am referring to the regular news, what they report, what they dont report and how they report this news. Considering this do you find that the LA times is left leaning?

Yes I find these guidelines very reasonable, a good guide for journalists. I feel like I might be walking into a trap though, what is the point you are trying to make? It would be nice if journalists were this ideal but they are not and I believe that alot of our papers today reflect that they are far from it.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I am referring to the regular news, what they report, what they dont report and how they report this news. Considering this do you find that the LA times is left leaning?

Yes I find these guidelines very reasonable, a good guide for journalists. I feel like I might be walking into a trap though, what is the point you are trying to make? It would be nice if journalists were this ideal but they are not and I believe that alot of our papers today reflect that they are far from it.

No trap with that list. I was trying to find something well written concerning journalistic integrity and found that.

As to your first question - how do you quantify a 'left leaning bias' with regard to regular news? I would agree that some news outlets don't always live up to the integrity they pretend to hold dear to, but for every New York Times you could call as left leaning, I could name a New York Post or Washington Times as right leaning. I'm not sure what the solution is when it comes to regular news, except to help schools that teach journalism to instill in their students the critical importance that journalistic integrity plays in protecting our democratic ideals. It's not so easy to really quantify a bias in general, but I agree you can find bias in particular story, how it was covered and the choice of words used.