Media Bias

[stebo0728]

Ok so I've really been putting alot of thought into this whole issue of media bias. I know there is much contention out there, as to whether bias exists, who has it, who is bias towards who, so on and so forth. I think its starting to become fairly self evident that most of the major media is biased +Y to the left. Whatever Y is is up for grabs, but the bias is there. But why? Is it an intentional bias? Is it a bias that comes from the media having political predispositions that align with liberals? I don't think that is it, for one major reason. The media doesn't have any real solid consistency in their bias. Some do, MSNBC would sign up to be Obama's own harum if he asked them to. But again, why?

The best answer that I've been able to come up with is this. The media NEEDS unrest, strife, hardships, in order to sell papers, airtime, what have you. Its for this reason, whether they even realize it or not, they tend to back the more controversial option. The media's been in hog heaven the past 12 years. Two wars, 2 major financial meltdowns, bubbles bursting all around us, people want to tune in just to find out how their going to die that day. Wine and roses don't sell papers. People don't give all time high ratings to network news agencies when we're living in a utopia. Media bias, if nothing else, is very self serving. Just look how quickly the media is turning on Obama's administration over this new Bengazi-Gate coverup. It sells papers.

So, what to do about it? I dunno, maybe nothing, maybe just understand it and deal with it. Is there an answer? Thoughts?

[themadscientist]

I don't think their bias is based upon this. Sure, there is likely a strain of media scum that feeds off the continuation of suffering, but I would guess, yes, a complete guess, that they are in the minority.

People tend to forget that reporters are just people like everyone else and as such have their own opinions and concerns. Over time, the integrity of journalism has been eroded, though, and where once a journalist would try to pull back and at least read the news with some objectivity, it is less demanded in the field. It's increasingly alright to let your personal feelings color your reporting. That is called editorial, however, not reporting. There is a place for editorial and I would not want to see that go away, but we would do better to restore a stark line between the two.

I recall on 9/11 when the towers were fallin Dan Rather came on and explained what had happened thus far, he then segwayed into announcing President Bush was about to speak. It was all straight, detailed, objective reporting to that point, but he tailed the introduction with a comment like "despite what you think about him, he is our president...." Even in that moment, with all that was going on in my head, that stood out stark and clear, WTF was that Dan? THAT'S editorial, not reporting. To hear a reporter of the prominence of Rather slide that little dig in within minutes of such a world-changing disaster was telling. How are we to expect new journalists to hold to a standard when the elder statesmen are not doing it?

[stebo0728]

Well then why the +Y left? Is it just that more liberally minded people seek a career in journalism?

Its hard to explain what I meant, and I probably did a poor job. I dont think the media "knowingly" or "consciously" perpetuates suffering. It seems its just part of the programming.

[themadscientist]

I think so. Journalism tends to attract smartypants types that like to think they are the smartest people in the room and tend not to value or respect people who don't agree with them. Liberals tend to be the same way. Conversely, conservatives tend to lean on tradition and faith as holy nuggets that don't have to be defended and are just as hostile to divergent views.

[WDRacing]

I find the bias is often hidden or camouflaged. Being induced not so much by what is said or how it's said, but by what actually makes the news. This falls more on the leadership of each network and not so much on the individual reporters. Reporters are told what to seek out and don't usually have a say as to what will actually be published.

Example; ABC, CBS and MSNBC had no coverage of how Obama went fundraising in Vegas the day our Embassy was burned and 4 of our citizens were murdered in Libya. What they covered was Romney calling the WH response weak and all sorts of other unfavorable shenanigans. Then they ran with the story that it was all because of the internet video. They didn't cover the fact that Obama doesn't go to the majority of his intel briefs, instead they attacked Romney for politicizing the lack of Obama response to the attacks.

Mean while Fox was doing the polar opposite. They waged war on Obama for not meeting with his security advisers, nor anyone from the NATO summit. They also attacked him for skipping a meeting with Netanyahu and started referring to the Libya attacks as Benghazigate.

[Bubba1]

I find the bias is often hidden or camouflaged. Being induced not so much by what is said or how it's said, but by what actually makes the news. This falls more on the leadership of each network and not so much on the individual reporters. Reporters are told what to seek out and don't usually have a say as to what will actually be published.

Example; ABC, CBS and MSNBC had no coverage of how Obama went fundraising in Vegas the day our Embassy was burned and 4 of our citizens were murdered in Libya. What they covered was Romney calling the WH response weak and all sorts of other unfavorable shenanigans. Then they ran with the story that it was all because of the internet video. They didn't cover the fact that Obama doesn't go to the majority of his intel briefs, instead they attacked Romney for politicizing the lack of Obama response to the attacks.

Mean while Fox was doing the polar opposite. They waged war on Obama for not meeting with his security advisers, nor anyone from the NATO summit. They also attacked him for skipping a meeting with Netanyahu and started referring to the Libya attacks as Benghazigate.

It's not shocking that the networks all have their political leanings and is reflected in their reporting. It's unfortunate that so many folks are influenced by the spin that we know up front exists.

For example, I noticed you've been bashing Obama for awhile now about missing pre-scheduled intel meetings. The big question is... so what? Do you think Obama was not fully briefed each time in another way? Did it occur to you that there might have been something more pressing each time that needed attention? I don't understand how anyone can make general condemnations like that without knowing any details.

In another example from the other side of the aisle, GW Bush got a lotta negative press (perhaps not by Fox News ) for taking more vacation time during his terms than any other president in history. Do you think that impacted his being informed on major developments on a daily basis? Of course not.

[WDRacing]

I'm biased Joel, so I don't have to list anything that doesn't lean towards my opinion. Do I think he had more important things to do other then attend meetings with his security council? No. It didn't occur because what could be so important and often enough to make him miss 40% of the briefings?

I don't think I've mentioned it more then once recently though. I bash Obama early and often, no surprise there. I plan to continue my attacks for years to come, regardless of election results.

[Marenta]

For my chime-in:

Since November is coming up, and Veteran's Day is in November... make sure you thank each and every one of those vets who purchased our right to freedom of speech. Without that, we wouldn't be able to come onto NICO and yap about politics and how much they're all dirty-rotten-scoundrels.

If you want truly unbiased.. get your news from BBC, seriously. When you figure out that the world doesn't revolve around America or it's president, you'll feel much better.
http://postmasculine.com/america

Oh, and before anybody says "GTFO of my country, then!" I love America. I love being here and all it allows me to have. However, it doesn't mean that I don't wish that Americans had a little bit of humility.

[stebo0728]

Oh, and before anybody says "GTFO of my country, then!" I love America. I love being here and all it allows me to have. However, it doesn't mean that I don't wish that Americans had a little bit of humility.

I have alot of sympathy for that position. I always roll my eyes when some old guy suggests "BUY AMERICAN OR YOU'RE A TRAITOR"

I love America too, but we have to be able to call ourselves on our own sh*t as a nation.

[WDRacing]

http://postmasculine.com/america

I liked 9 and 10 the best.

I gave up news for about a year awhile back, I'm pretty sure I was happier in general. I can't help it these days, mostly because our economy is in my damn face so much. I rolled through the 15 items or less isle at the commissary an hr ago and dropped 75 bucks on basic groceries...and one small thing of sushi. So lets say 65 bucks. Still, 65 bucks for crap that I'll need again in like 4 days.

/rant.

[Marenta]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJWKccHQ ... re=related

Here, this sums it all up. I hate that it's a fcsking TV show that tells the truth, but it's still there. I just wish we could all listen, sincerely listen to what everybody has to say and co-operate and get our shxt together.

[WDRacing]

Damn...that was awesome. I'll be fwd'ing that.

[telcoman]

Damn...that was awesome. I'll be fwd'ing that.

You mean this one

http://thelastword.msnbc.com/_news/2012 ... grave?lite



Telcoman

[WDRacing]

I was wondering where you went Howie, I thought you might have taken that final dirt nap you old sob.

[telcoman]

I was wondering where you went Howie, I thought you might have taken that final dirt nap you old sob.

Been busy planning the election night Happy Dance.
This one will be bigger than the one four years ago

[WDRacing]

Make sure you have your Alert 1 handy when you're doing the happy dance.

[BusyBadger]

I was wondering where you went Howie, I thought you might have taken that final dirt nap you old sob.

Been busy planning the election night Happy Dance.
This one will be bigger than the one four years ago

Happy dance, bigger...sounds like someone's taking the little blue pill.

Here's a little comedy schtick you can entertain your guests with.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkmS6JrWSPU&showinfo=0[/youtube]

[themadscientist]

[bigbadberry3]

Media bias? I do crack up when I visit foxnews.com and see that they have a media bias.

[telcoman]

Make sure you have your Alert 1 handy when you're doing the happy dance.

Brian:

When I saw this it reminded me of you.

http://www.upworthy.com/woman-gets-call ... -a-?c=ufb1

The woman in that clip could be your wife

A typical Fox News viewer no doubt

Telcoman

[themadscientist]

Why watch FOX when I can flip over to MSNBC and watch Chris Matthews hump Obama's leg?

[telcoman]

Why watch FOX when I can flip over to MSNBC and watch Chris Matthews hump Obama's leg?

You won't get any details on Fox

I love MSNBC.

Too bad Tim Russert is no longer with us but his brand of covering politicians and what they say is still with us.

Watch Ryan squirm as Biden calls him out.

http://video.msnbc.msn.com/the-rachel-m ... /#49397199

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/1 ... n_171.html

Telcoman