Media Role & Bias

• Spin

• Unsubstantiated Claims

• Opinions presented as Facts

• Sensationalism / Emotionalism

• Mudslinging

• Spin

• Unsubstantiated Claims

• Opinions presented as Facts

• Sensationalism / Emotionalism

• Mudslinging

• Spin

• Unsubstantiated Claims

• Opinions presented as Facts

• Sensationalism / Emotionalism

• Mudslinging

• Spin

• Unsubstantiated Claims

• Opinions presented as Facts

• Sensationalism / Emotionalism

• Mudslinging

• Spin

• Unsubstantiated Claims

• Opinions presented as Facts

• Sensationalism / Emotionalism

• Mudslinging

• Spin

• Unsubstantiated Claims

• Opinions presented as Facts

• Sensationalism / Emotionalism

• Mudslinging

The media begins reporting about a disgusting -looking ingredient found in many common foods. Soon everyone is talking about the ingredient. People begin signing petitions, and soon there is a major movement to convince the government to outlaw the ingredient.

• Media as Agenda-setter

• Media as Watchdog

• Media as Gatekeeper

• Media as Business

Two hundred people rally in the street to protest a city’s decision to cut bus transportation. Instead of covering that event, the evening news runs a story about the mayor’s plan to build a new park.

• Media as Agenda-setter

• Media as Watchdog

• Media as Gatekeeper

• Media as Business

A politician accepts expensive gifts from a campaign supporter. Two television networks run hour -long exposés about the politician’s bad behavior. The politician returns the gifts and resigns from office.

• Media as Agenda-setter

• Media as Watchdog

• Media as Gatekeeper

• Media as Business

A newspaper loses several advertising accounts after sales are down. The paper decides to put crime stories on the front page and move stories about government to page 2. Sales go up, and advertisers begin buying more ad space in the newspaper.

• Media as Agenda-setter

• Media as Watchdog

• Media as Gatekeeper

• Media as Business