1. The Media & Media Bias
Current Issues - LHS

2. What is the News Media? Sources Newspapers News magazines
Online sources
Network TV
Cable TV
Radio

3. Media Sources
How does the source of the news you consume influence the news you consume?

4. Gov’t Regulation of the Media
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) purposes
Prevent monopolies
Investigate complaints against media outlets
Assure fair treatment and access to airwaves for political candidates, officeholders

5. Trends in the Media Journalism of Verification Journalism of Assertion
Journalism of Affirmation
Left?
Keith Olbermann
Right?
Sean Hannity

6. Trends in the Media
In order to compete in a competitive market, many traditional media outlets have focused their coverage
By audience
By specialization
By ideology
Shift in role of traditional media from gatekeeper to authenticator of information

7. Media Bias What is media bias? Is the media biased towards liberals?
Is the media biased towards conservatives?
Survey results

8. Media Bias Surveys Media Research Center (pie charts)
Pew Research Center (2008)
Survey of 222 journalists
30% liberal or very liberal
53% moderate
8% conservative or very conservative

9. Closing Thoughts Historical context
“Objective news” a post WWII concept
Throughout most of American history, news sources were biased
Onus is upon the consumer to determine for him / herself what the news MEANS