Media Bias vs. Media Corruption

Written by True Focus
Published September 27, 2004

Although most of us will not admit it, at least publicly, we all know that media contituents are biased. All reporters lean one way or another as it relates to the subjects and/or people they cover. Mainstream media leans to the left, while the alternative media, such as talk radio leans to the right. Whether it be in politics, music, film, or the fashion industry, the media has its favorites and often makes it known.

Of course, for appearances of objectivity, most take painstaking measures to hide it. Although some are better at hiding it than others, seldom is their bias undetectable. For example, reporters often reflect their preferences for certain CEOs, politicians, actors, singers, or musicians in articles or news pieces by writing favorable articles about them or "product placing" them in feel-good news pieces to which viewers would be most receptive. Conversely, the individuals that media likes the least are given adverse coverage, if any at all. That is media bias.

Unfortunately, today most of the news rooms have gone from media bias, to engaging in media corruption. While media bias is a breach of the fundamental journalistic standards that may lead to loss of the public trust, media corruption is the use of criminal devices to manipulate or defraud the public, and destroys our societal moral fabric.

With the proliferation of technological advances, and subsequent increased ambitions on the global socio-political/economic platform, so too have the ambitions in newsrooms across the nation increased. No longer do media journalists prioritize source accuracy and reliability in news reporting over ratings.

News sources are now competing for popularity, high ratings and advertising dollars. With full access and control of the news outlets that reach the masses, and no one to "answer to," media has ceased to be reliable tools for information, but become powerful tools for fraud and manipulation. Unthinkable as it once was, today journalists fabricate stories, create fraudulent documents to pass them off as evidentiary facts, and for personal gain even collude with elements of society to sabotage rivals, hurt their enemies, and control the masses. Right or wrong, they do whatever pleases them.

Who wouldn't? Given the tenets of the press, they can make up "undisclosed sources", fabricate stories of events that never happened, slander/ libel individuals, engage in every level of criminality, and in the name of journalism arrogantly invoke the protections of the profession, make millions, and become "red carpet stars."

Keep reading for information and comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own!
Media Bias vs. Media Corruption
Published: September 27, 2004
Type:
Section: Culture
Filed Under: Culture: Media
Writer: True Focus
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Comments

#1 — September 27, 2004 @ 16:30PM — Eric Olsen

Very interesting TF, thanks! I agree that there are more tools for dissembling and more incentive than ever to cut corners or flat-out lie, but I'm not sure if there is really more of it going on or just more people getting caught. Blogs are doing a very good job of keeping tabs on the media and fact-checking it - it's proabably their greatest contribution thus far.

There is zero question, though, that mainstream broadcasting is shallower and more sensationalistic than ever, and that is a crying shame.

#2 — September 27, 2004 @ 21:17PM — vikk [URL]

Interesting comments. From the moment the first word is chosen over another, the slant begins to take form. At best, one can try and present all the facts and include opposing positions but writers reveal themselves in the choices they make. The fancier the footwork, the more naked the journalist becomes.

#3 — August 10, 2005 @ 16:58PM — CHivo

FAAAK, this is not help

#4 — January 15, 2007 @ 01:34AM — Pord

Cheers. It seems to me that the media's desire to feed the viewers what they want inspires news networks to make a story out nothing. Every time I hear of a missing person, foul play is always the number one assumption by the media. All these "drama" stories are broadcasted soley on the interest of the public, instead of their importance to the country. One person goes missing in California and it gets more coverage than a train bombing.

#5 — November 11, 2007 @ 12:19PM — suvo [URL]

good!!
It'll suely help me in getting some points for my upcoming debate competition.The topic stands like this:role of media in combating corruption.Thank's.

#6 — December 9, 2007 @ 13:28PM — Reese

it was preety damn hard to understand but when i got it i was very impressed

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