Types of Bias in the News

What is bias?

Unfair influence of a story's content, whether it's through what is included or omitted, how it's presented, or the way it is labeled

​Omission

• unfair influence of a story's content, whether it's through what's included or omitted, how it's presented, or the way it's labeled

• important facts or perspectives are purposefully left out, which can skew the audience's understanding of the topic

• seek out additional sources to gain a more comprehensive view of the situation

​Source Selection

• happens when news outlets rely on specific sources that may not provide a balanced or accurate viewpoint

• If a news story heavily depends on one particular perspective without including alternative viewpoints, it can lead to a skewed portrayal of the issue

• consider the credibility and diversity of sources used in a story

Placement

• refers to the positioning of a news story within a publication or broadcast

• the amount of coverage given to a story can also impact how significant it seems to the audience

• analyze where and how news stories are presented to understand the potential influence of placement bias

Labeling

• the use of language that can sway the audience's opinion about a topic or individual.

• words chosen to describe an event, person, or group can carry positive or negative connotations, shaping the audience's perception

• Paying attention to the language used in news reports can help us identify any potential bias introduced through labeling and evaluate information more thoughtfully