Bias in the News
Consider the following sentences:
More than 900 attend rally.
Fewer than 1, 000 show up at protest.
Both are accurate descriptions of attendance at a meeting.
The first gives the reader the impression that the event was successful, with more people than expected attending.
The second sentence implies fewer people than expected showed up.
* A unbiased way to describe the attendance might be " There were 950 people at the event."
Now consider the following pictures:
Detecting Bias: Is there another photo that could have been used? Could the headline have been stated in a different way?
Bias in the News
Review:
At one time or other we all complain about "bias in the news." The fact is, despite the journalistic ideal of "objectivity," every news story is influenced by the attitudes and background of its interviewers, writers, photographers and editors.
Presentations:
Take ten minutes, with your group members, to select the best two(2) of your 'biased' articles, pictures, or headlines to share with the class. When presenting to the class, let us know
i) What kind of bias is this? (Based on your handout.)
ii) How is this information biased?
iii) How else could the information have been presented?
Tabloid Journalism
Peruse a copy of the National Enquirer or Globe.
Pick out 10 stories and answer the following questions. (Each story should take about 1/5 of a page.)
1. What is the Headline?
2. List the the 5 w's of this story.
3. Is this story believable? Why or why not?
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If you have one, please bring your digitial camera (and cord for uploading pictures) tomorrow!!
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If you have one, please bring your digitial camera (and cord for uploading pictures) tomorrow!!
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Class Note:
'What Makes Sensational Media Believable?'
- information from 'sources' close to the subject
- Pictures!!!!! (out of context? or completely unrelated?)
- 'quotes'
- plausibility (makes sense)
- evidence 'exists!'
- crediblie writers (create trust)
- in multiple papers (remember: these papers are ALL owned by the same company)
Not Believable:
- too many random facts that don't add up
- maybe go TOO far!
- doesn't make sense
- 'fake' looking photos
Assignment:
Even though photographs are easily altered or used out of context, they can still be very influential to the readers of an article.
Part I: Take pictures you think will help you tell a story. These pictures should influence your reader, making your story more believable. Upload or email your pictures to a computer.
Remember:
- include the picture in your story
- be sure to answer the 5 W's
- Use the appropriate spelling and punctuation.
- Have you incorporated elements that make sensational media (tabloids and yellow journals) believable?
IF THERE'S a bible for tabloid reporters, "Thou shalt not let the truth get in the way of a story" might be its first commandment.
After reading ‘55+ Years of the National Enquirer’, answer the following questions:
Please answer using full sentences.
1) What did the Enquirer report prior to the 1950s?
It contained racing tips and scores for horse races.
2) Where was the enquirer sold that helped to expand its demographic?
Sold the paper in local grocery stores (which hadn't been done before.)
3) Who was Generoso Pope Junior?
He bought the National Enquirer and put in 'sensational' stories.
He also embarked on many different projects to increase circulation.
4) In the early 1950s, how did most people view the written media?
'They can't print it if it isn't true.'
5) How did Pope change the Enquirer in 1968 to make it more appealing?
Took out blood and gore and changed to 'uplifting' stories.
6) Name three celebrities who were often found in the tabloid papers.
Judy Garland, Michael Jackson, Cher, Elvis.
7) What two tabloid magazines were published in 1974? Do you still see them on newstands today?
The two magazine are People and US.
8) How did the enquirer (purportedly) change in 1974? In the film Citizen Kane, what happened in the film that was similar to this event?
More journalistic integrity.
9) Do you think tabloids are m
ore trustworthy today? Why or why not? What about magazines like US Weekly and People?
Yes - Insider information an be bought.
No - Easier to forge documents and pictures.
10) For those who realize tabloid journalism is fake, it can be very entertaining. Why do you think some people believe these stories? What are the problems associated with them believing in these stories? (Give an example.)