Consider the issue and implications of intentional news media bias. Why are large segments of the American news media audience either unable or unwilling to be better critical media consumers?
In some instances, selling things means not turning off your audience.
Would Rush Limbaugh ever irritate his following by citing the good works of Bill Clinton when president?
Would one expect Fox News to ever be "balanced, fair"? The same rationale..the viewers are looking for gossip, blood, and conspiracy "facts".
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1256761649
Bobpursley is right. I doubt if there is any "fair and balanced" anything.
Here is an interesting column written today -- http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28822.html -- let us know what YOU THINK.
The issue of intentional news media bias is a complex and consequential one. It refers to the intentional manipulation or distortion of news by media organizations with a specific ideological, political, or financial agenda. This bias can have significant implications for public opinion, democracy, and social cohesion.
One reason why large segments of the American news media audience may be either unable or unwilling to be better critical media consumers is because of cognitive biases. Cognitive biases are inherent tendencies of the human mind to process information in certain ways. For example, confirmation bias is the tendency to seek or interpret information in a way that confirms one's existing beliefs. In the context of news consumption, individuals may primarily expose themselves to news that aligns with their preexisting views, leading to a reinforcement of their own biases.
Additionally, psychological factors such as the availability heuristic and the bandwagon effect can play a role. The availability heuristic refers to the tendency to rely on easily accessible information when making judgments. In the context of news consumption, individuals may rely more on news sources that are readily available and familiar to them, rather than seeking out more diverse perspectives. The bandwagon effect refers to the tendency to adopt certain beliefs or behaviors because they are popular or commonly accepted. In the context of news consumption, individuals may follow the crowd and consume news from sources that are popular or widely accepted within their social circles.
Furthermore, the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age has made it increasingly challenging for news consumers to discern fact from fiction. Social media platforms and search engines often prioritize content that aligns with a user's interests, further reinforcing existing biases and potentially exposing individuals to unreliable or biased sources.
To become better critical media consumers, individuals can take several steps. Firstly, they should diversify their news sources and actively seek out different perspectives. This may involve reading news articles from various publications with differing ideological leanings, or even consulting international news sources to gain a broader understanding of global events.
Secondly, individuals should develop and apply critical thinking skills when evaluating news stories. This includes fact-checking information, verifying sources, and critically analyzing the framing and presentation of news reports.
Thirdly, media literacy education plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern news consumption. By learning to critically evaluate news sources, understand media biases, and recognize common propaganda techniques, individuals can better discern reliable information from biased or false narratives.
Lastly, fostering a culture of media accountability and supporting independent journalism can help mitigate intentional news media bias. Supporting news organizations that adhere to ethical standards, fact-checking processes, and editorial independence can promote a more informed and diverse media landscape.
In conclusion, the issue of intentional news media bias has significant implications for society. Overcoming the challenges of being better critical media consumers requires understanding the influence of cognitive biases, actively seeking diverse perspectives, applying critical thinking skills, promoting media literacy education, and supporting accountable journalism.