If you know anything about the Titanic, you know it hit an iceberg and sank three hours later. For nearly 24 hours, the world knew only that it was a ship in distress. Most newspapers reported everyone was safe, when in fact, 1,517 passengers and crew perished. Many blamed the new wireless technology, but others thought reporters had fallen for the White Star hype about their “unsinkable” ship.
Analyze the media bias you see in the 1912 article about the Titanic. Discuss the possible reasons that led reporters to believe the White Star hype. Then consider how hype or propaganda may bias reporting today. Give examples if you can.
The media bias in the 1912 article about the Titanic can be seen in the fact that most newspapers reported everyone was safe when, in reality, a significant number of passengers and crew perished. It appears that the reporters were influenced by the White Star Line's marketing hype around the ship being "unsinkable." This could have contributed to their initial belief that all passengers were safe.
One possible reason for this bias is the influence of powerful corporations on the media. The White Star Line was a prominent and influential company, and they likely had significant advertising and financial relationships with newspapers. This could have influenced reporters to believe and propagate the company's claims about the ship's safety.
In modern times, hype or propaganda can still bias reporting and shape public opinion. One example of this is the reporting on political campaigns. During elections, candidates and their parties often try to shape the narrative and present themselves in a positive light while discrediting opponents. Media coverage can be influenced by this hype or propaganda, leading to biased reporting that may not present a complete or accurate picture of the candidates or their policies.
Another example is product advertising, where companies often use exaggerated claims or misleading information to promote their products. If the media uncritically reports these claims without fact-checking or providing alternative perspectives, it contributes to biased reporting that favors the company's interests over informing the public accurately.
Furthermore, social media platforms have enabled the spread of misinformation and propaganda at an unprecedented scale. False or sensationalized information can go viral quickly without proper fact-checking, leading to bias in public perception and potentially influencing media coverage.
In conclusion, media bias in the 1912 article about the Titanic can be attributed to reporters' belief in the White Star Line's hype. Today, hype or propaganda can still bias reporting, often due to the influence of powerful corporations, political campaigns, and the spread of misinformation on social media.