Media Bias

1. Media Bias Subjective vs. Objective

2. What is media bias? • Any subtle prejudice appearing in information that is meant to be objective. • Objective (adj): not influenced by your own feelings, beliefs, or ideas. • Prejudice (n): an unfair feeling of dislike to someone who is of a different race, gender, religion, beliefs, etc.

3. Is it possible to be truly objective? • Many believe that this is impossible. Writers—and readers—are who they are, and we bring our experiences with us to whatever we read or write. • Intentional bias, on the other hand, is preventable. There are watchdog groups that keep an eye on media and raise a fuss if they notice intentional bias.

4. Intentional bias: subjective media • Subjective (adj): a statement or attitude that is influenced by personal opinion or feelings rather than facts. • Critical thinking: does the article sound like opinion or fact? Does it include statistics? Information from both sides of an argument or issue? Sometimes you just need to trust your instincts.

5. How can I tell if something is biased? • Ask yourself some questions: • Do the supporting details seem factual? • Who is the author? Is he or she someone with a reputation for honesty? • Is there good reason to believe the author is free of any distorting influences? • What biases might exist that could influence the author? • Are the author’s sources reputable? • Does it feel like there is information missing?

6. Vocabulary: define the following terms from the article on media bias. These words will be on the test! • Saturate • Prejudice • Blatant • Proliferation • Seminal • Polarization

7. Homework • Annotate your article for Thursday. • Have fun on the field trip!