Has the media always been biased? Yes, but is it worse today?

Media Terminology – Biased media Partisan Press – a period when media outlets (newspapers) were owned and operated by political parties. Penny Press – newspapers funded through commercial advertising. Less partisan, more sensationalism. Yellow Journalism – sensationalized, over-simplified newspaper reporting.

Media Terminology Investigative Media Muckraking – using the media to expose problems in government and society in hopes of stimulating reform (early 20th century) Investigative Journalism – through investigation, journalists create the story. Generally exposing a “wrong” and stimulating a public reaction.

The Contemporary Media What do the numbers indicate? 75% of American homes have cable or satellite TV service. CNN first aired in 1980. 1983, 2,300 print reporters on Capital Hill, today there are 4,100. 1983, 1,000 broadcast reporter on Capital Hill, today there are 3,000. 2,600 daily newspaper in 1909, 1,500 today. Only 24% of newspapers are independently owned. By 1980, television was the primary source of news by a 2 to 1 margin. 55% of Americans feel that television news is more believable than newspapers. Television lead stories come from print sources. 67% of American watch local networks daily, 47% watch national networks daily. Most news outlets are now corporate owned. The bottom line for corporations is profits. Time/Warner What impact has the internet had?