Fallacies Analysis
Bias has a distorting effect on how facts are presented and interpreted by different audiences.
National news networks must make decisions about what stories to run, how to present what
happened, and what order to tell those stories in. Bias can be a powerful factor in how the news is
reported. Your paper should be at least 2500 words.
Prompt
Select two national news shows (do not use local news shows) that air on the same day from two
different major networks (from networks such as CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, etc. Do not choose local
news shows). Note the similarities and differences between each network in terms of which stories
both networks report, which stories are covered by one and not the other, and what differences there
are in the stories they choose to report.
Summarize the stories and the way they were reported including a note of body language, word usage,
and omissions.
Explore the historical issues of bias in both news sources and how that might affect coverage.
Discuss how viewers only watching one of these sources might get a different sense of current events
than one watching the other.
Discuss what steps each source could take to reduce their bias.
For example, Fox News used language such as “riots†and “looting†to describe what was happening in Minneapolis while MSNBC referred to it more generally as “unrestâ€. Additionally, Fox News made sure to point out that protestors were also responsible for some of the property damage caused during these events while MSNBC largely focused on the excessive use of force by police officers without mentioning any other groups involved. On top of this, body language from anchors at both networks was distinct: those at Fox News spoke with a stern tone and exuded a sense of disapproval for those protesting whereas those at MSNBC had more neutral tones throughout their coverage.
This difference reflects an overall historical pattern regarding bias across these two major news sources: one perpetuates a conservative perspective rooted in traditional values while the other holds progressive views rooted in modern ideas — making them far apart ideologically . As such , viewers who only watch one source could have vastly skewed perspectives current events compared someone watches both because either will be exposed certain information omissions potentially leading mischaracterization context outcomes situations discussed depending respective lenses which look through ! Taking steps reduce bias involves being honest open minded presenting all sides issue prioritizing accuracy balance when crafting narratives piece together illustrate what actually happened whatever case may be !