When you read news online what do you need to keep in mind about bias?

Answer 1

You will often see on WikiAnswers the suggestion to make balanced replies, rather than post one-sided or biased answers. In any medium, whether on the internet, in print, or on television news, it is important for readers or viewers to recognize bias. But bias can often be hidden, so how can we know when we read or hear a news report that is "biased".

A bias is supporting one side of a situation or argument that has more than one "side". For example, a community might be debating whether or not to place a landfill 15 miles outside of town. Some town leaders support it, saying it will create 100 jobs. The trucks will all use Road B, and residents on Road B argue that the heavy trucks will damage the roads, create rumbling that will damage house foundations, and will be dangerous to children getting off buses. Another group endorses clean environment and protests that the landfill will create run off into the "Wonder Resovoir". Another group protests against inevitable odors that will waft across the area, carried by winds for 25 miles. Farmers protest because the landfill abuts grazing lands and farmers fear the noise of heavy machinery will scare animals, leading to lower breeding.

Based on this example, you read an article in the local paper that discusses job opportunities and only quotes people who support the project. There is no mention of the protests from residents, clean environment folks, wildlife protectionists, or the farmers. If reader didn't know all the facts, an incomplete story could sway public opinion. Later, readers learn that the reporter's distant relative has an investment in the landfill. This kind of biased story is not supposed to be published, but some editors use one-sided stories.

So to detect bias in news stories, watch for:

• one-sidedness
• not enough information about all sides
• twisting of facts to fit a particular view (it's easy to twist statistics, for example)
• use of only one set of statistics, when other studies dispute the findings
• any personal or family gain by giving only one side
• the political or religious beliefs of the writer (For example, if I fully believe and support a topic, especially a controversial topic, I may be unlikely to include statements from people who disagree with my viewpoint.
• etc.

Read and listen to news with a critical eye and ear. Look for supporting information. See if they included "the other side", like they do in debates with two or more guests on TV. Does the reporter seem inappropriately personally invested--do they get angry if challenged? can they listen to someone else's argument? Is the reporting more sensational than fact? In a newspaper, circle the "facts" used... when listening to TV news, list each "fact"... then, look at the lists and ask yourself if the story was balanced?

Answer 2

When reading news online, it's important to be mindful of bias as it can slant information in a specific direction. Be aware of the source's perspective, political leanings, and any potential conflicts of interest. Consider cross-referencing with other sources to gain a more well-rounded view of the topic.

Answer 3

Some internet new sources are less strict about staying bias free.

Answer 4

if the news broadcasts the opinions of one "side" of an argument it is said to be slanted or biased