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.

Question

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.

Post a detailed response to the Media Bias Discussion prompt.

use ten year old words, 5 sentences

Answer 1

The 1912 article about the Titanic showed media bias by reporting that everyone was safe when in reality many had died. Reporters may have believed the White Star hype because the company was well-known and respected. They may have also wanted to believe in the idea of an unsinkable ship to create a more exciting story. Today, hype or propaganda can bias reporting by influencing journalists to focus on specific angles or narratives that may not be accurate. For example, in politics, reporters may only focus on one side of a story to promote a certain agenda.