Detecting Media Bias

What to look for when accessing media for information

• Who are the sources? Broad spectrum provides fairness and accuracy
• Diversity of those running a news outlet should reflect the communities it serves
• Is the point of view of those affected by an issue represented in coverage?
• Are there double standards in portrayal?
• Loaded language influences public opinion – watch for terminology associated with stereotypes
• Are stories of importance to only a certain group of individuals featured more prominently than those of great significance to many?
• Extreme language
• Appeal more to emotions than to logic; emotion makes people less discerning
• Issues oversimplified or over-generalized
• Limited view of topic presented
• Webpages dedicated to controversial topics likely to have a bias
• Lack of presenting alternate points of view