Survey Results: “Perceived Bias in the Media”
Reading Guide
Page 6
1. As majority of U.S. adults see it, give at least three ways that news media can be biased.
2. Which news media does the U.S. public believe is more biased, TV or newspapers?
3. Despite their perception of bias in the news media, why do most adults still trust
newspapers?
Page 7
4. According to public belief, what is the motive for the bias in the news media? What
other outside pressures are there to “spin or spike” a story?
5. According to journalists, what are some reasons for the public’s “loss of faith” in the
press?
Bias defined
Page 8
6. In the public perspective, give four interpretations of what bias in the news media is.
7. In the newsroom perspective, what do 32% of the journalists blame for the public’s loss
of confidence in press credibility?
8. What reasons do 20% of the journalists give why the public itself is to blame for getting
the wrong impression?
Who believes the media are biased?
Page 9
9. Describe the type of adults who are likely to believe that the media is not biased.
External Manipulation
Page 10
10. In the public perspective, what specific groups could influence news decisions?
11. What are some negative evaluations of the news media given by a significant proportion
of the public?
Page 11
12. From the newsroom perspective, journalists think that the newspapers, not they
themselves, are to blame for media bias because newspapers are afraid of offending
powerful individuals or groups in the community. What are some of the things
journalists agree about?
Internal Agendas
Pages 12 - 13
13. From the public perspective, there are certain individuals or groups that “get a special
break” and enjoy favorable coverage in the media while other groups “don’t get a fair
shake.” Which groups “get a special break” and which groups “don’t get a fair shake”?
IB English A2 HL/SL 1
Topic Option: Media and Culture: News Reporting: Bias
14. From the newsroom perspective, journalists agree with the public regarding some of
these biases, especially the economic bias. What are some of their comments?
Reporting fact vs. opinion
Pages 13 – 14
15. What are some of the sentiments and statements expressed by the focus group sessions
directed towards journalist?
16. As the public diagnoses it, what are the two root causes of media bias—one at best and
one at worst?
Journalists’ self-appraisal
Pages 14 – 15
17. What are some reasons that journalists give themselves high marks in doing their job?
18. The top editors are rate their papers even more highly than the journalists. What are some
of the things they feel proud about?
19. In what areas do journalists for small papers feel closer to their readers?
20. In conclusion, which group feels most strongly that the news media is biased: the public,
the journalists or the editors?
IB English A2 HL/SL 1
Topic Option: Media and Culture: News Reporting: Bias