How to Detect Media Bias and Propaganda - Coursework Example

 Bias in the media It is undeniable that media has a tremendous potential in shaping political discourse and setting cultural guidelines. It, therefore, becomes imperative that the news media, electronic and print remain fair and accurate always-remaining objective to the stories reported. The case, however, has been that human communication has taken domination over the content. Bias in today's journalism is evident in all news media and influences the entire context and perception of a message. Unfortunately, many people depend on these news sources to make their decisions on voting or on other matters not knowing that the information on which they relied on, as presented by the news sources may be misleading. It therefore, means that it is vital that the citizenry become aware of how to get the information from the media sources without being subliminally persuaded to one side or the other. This paper looks at the covering of gun control issues by two media houses; CNN viewed as liberal and NEWSMAX, viewed as conservative. As a result of the bias in news coverage, it is no wonder that distrust of the media has hit a new high of 60%, according to the Gallup survey. That is from 55% who had said that they do not trust the journalist to report accurately and fairly in 2011 and 46% as of 1997. Bias in the news media can take many forms such as note porting all the available stories and selectivity on the facts presented. On September 2014, NEWSMAX covered a story in which 'Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America' had expressed concerns about gun owners being allowed to carry their guns openly in Kroger stores (Newsmax). The same story is featured on CNN in both electronic and online platform. From the start, one can easily compare the difference in the headlines of the same story as was presented by both news sources in their online platform. Bias in the media can take many forms such as omitting some facts when reporting a certain event and systematically emphasizing a particular issue in a way that is against the standards of journalism. Other types of bias may include corporate bias, mainstream bias, conservative bias and liberal bias. On the issue of gun control at Kroger stores, both CNN and NEWSMAX carried headlines that would tell a lot about where their stand is on the issue. 'Gun Control Group to Kroger: Prohibit Open Carry in Grocery Store' was the headline that NEWSMAX put on this story. A rational reader without knowing the facts of the story would almost immediately get the perception that those opposed to the second amendment have moved to influence their ideas on Kroger. On the other hand, the headline on CNN was; 'Moms: Don't flash your gun at Kroger’ (Lobosco). The perception created by this headline is that mothers may are concerned about the safety especially of their children. Portraying the motherly appeal is something that can be very effective especially where security is the main concern. NEWSMAX, however, do not bring out that perception and only refer to it as a 'gun control group'. Without question, the headlines from the very start are subjective and may influence a rational reader who is just out to get information develop certain attitudes. Another type of bias that is evident from these stories is that of omission. CNN as perceived by analysts is liberal and supports gun control. NEWSMAX, however, is conservative and in support of the second amendment that allows an individual to own and carry firearms. It must for this reason that one reading the two articles feels the tone of the message being inclined to either the side of gun control or in favor of the second amendment. CNN in favor of gun control and out to prove that it is a dangerous thing for guns to be within the public domain this creates a different perception. It describes the reason as to why 'Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America' was concerned about safety in Kroger stores. A few lines after the headline, CNN describe the event in which a wife shot herself immediately after shooting and killing her husband (Lobosco). The event of this shooting was at a Kroger parking lot in Georgia. CNN cites this event and the many other guns related incident events at Kroger stores as the primary reason for the groups' motivation. This piece of information regarding the shooting does not appear anywhere in the NEWSMAX article. Without question that is a significant omission from the NEWSMAX article since in this case it clearly shows the reason as to why the mom's groups were at Kroger in the first place. NEWSMAX, for this reason, may be perceived to be concealing some crucial facts that pertain to the story that would be interests a reader. In effect, the story is portrayed as that of another group that is out there calling for gun control that has finally found its way to Kroger. It is also evident that NEWSMAX are very quick to link the group to Michael Bloomberg. The former billionaire, New York mayor, is famous for his support of gun control and advocacy of gun regulation. CNN, however, goes into the details of how the advocacy group was formed citing the Sandy Hook school shooting as the main reason. A big portion of the NEWSMAX article explains the advocacy group and the efforts it has been making to effect gun control. There is the mention of the role that Bloomberg’s six-figure cash plays in supporting the advocacy group’s activities. There is even the placement of an advert that the group is planning to launch on many media outlets courtesy of Bloomberg’s millions. The advert that seeks to call to question why other items are banned from stores while guns are being allowed is entirely missing from the CNN post. The NEWSMAX post also concludes by noting that Kroger issued its response to the call by the advocacy group (Newsmax). The retail outlet defends its stand on allowing customers with guns into its stores so long as they abide by the state and local laws, such a response is missing from the CNN post. Conclusion Media bias has dominated in journalism with producers and journalists selecting stories and events and how they report them. Primarily, it would be expected that journalists present the facts they find in a coherent narrative leaving it to the views to decide on what to make of the information received. However, as the case stands, pervasive journalism and bias of all sorts prevail which is contrary to the standards of journalism. Evidently, more people are aware of the bias and unfair reporting and as Gallup survey observed and this pose a challenge to the whole idea of public participation and democracy. Work Cited Lobosco, Katie. 'Kroger Is Next Target For Gun Control Group.' CNNMoney. N.p., 2015. Web. 1 May 2015. Newsmax, 'Gun Control Group To Kroger: Prohibit Open Carry In Grocery Stores'. N.p., 2014. Web. 1 May 2015. Read More