Bias

1. Bias In Journalism

2. What Is Bias? • Bias is a term used to describe a tendency or preference towards a particular perspective, ideology or result, when the tendency interferes with the ability to be impartial, unprejudiced, or objective.

3. Examples of Bias Bias is a sneaky thing, it can creep into the reporting of even the most well intentioned journalist. For example, referring to someone as an ex-con, rather than referring to them as a person who spent time in prison twenty years ago for a minor offence, is bias. By saying this, the journalist will affect how the person is seen by the audience. Also, referring to a demonstration as a peaceful protest, or saying that it is an angry riot will affect the audiences view on the topic.

4. Why Should We Avoid Bias? Bias should be avoided as much as is possible in journalism. However, there are exceptions which we will talk about later. Bias should be avoided because the object of journalism is to inform the public, not to state our own opinions.

5. How To Avoid Bias • So, now that we’ve told you all about how horrible it is to be biased, here’s a little on how to avoid it…. • Try not to write about something you’re really passionate about, or something that you are very involved in. • Always edit your work with the most objectivity you can. • Have someone else edit your work, they can spot your bias better than you can!

6. Detecting Bias • Bias through selection and omission • Bias through placement • Bias by headline • Bias by photos, captions, and camera angles • Bias through use of names and titles • Bias through statistics and crowd counts • Bias by source control • Word choice and tone

7. When is Bias OK? All this talk about how bias is bad, but, there is a time when it’s not only OK to show your bias, it’s expected. What, you may ask, is this time? Editorials, of course! And editorial is your opinion on something, be it a world issue, and movie, anything. If it’s an editorial, your opinion is what matters.