The media is naturally biased and, therefore, cannot be the voice of the people. Discuss.
What is Media Bias?
Quick Note!
A very common trend that many societies today face, Media bias. It is a pushing of a specific
viewpoint, instead of reporting news or airing programs in a straightforward, unbiased way.
! It is almost impossible for any network or journalistic publication to not be accused of
some bias. Subtle things like word choice, time limits on programming, and sponsors may
all suggest that the organization is not neutral. Each individual who reports or writes the
news also has to work hard to guard against revealing his or her own opinions. These
opinions can reveal bias simply through word choice or inflections and tone of voice when
delivering news.
The balance of bias
Singapore is ranked one of
the lowest in press freedom
ranking.
Singapore fell 14 places to a
record 149th position in terms
of press freedom, according to
an annual report by nongovernmental organization
Reporters Without Borders
(RWB) as of 2013.
In the race to get the best possible trustworthy information, readers often forget that what is published will often be
limited in certain ways. For example, within the span of an article, it is impossible to articulate every possible viewpoint,
which would make it seem biased. Sometimes, the information or points mentioned could be sensitive to the public and
affect political stability. You cannot keep peace without censoring some information that goes to the working public
Bias by source
selection
Bias by
omission
Bias by
placement
Bias by story
selection
Bias by spin
Media: Voice of the people
If media were to be the voice of the people, it has to be an
independent one, not a mere puppet controlled by the authorities.
In fact, press publishers often cannot escape the grasp of the
government or other authorities; resulting in minimal trustworthy
information present.
The people of these voices need to be seen not heard.
Bias by
labelling
Bias by
1. Omission
a. leaving one side out of an article, or a series of articles over a period of time
2. Spin
a. occurs when the story has only one interpretation of an event or policy, to the exclusion of the other
3. labeling
a. is when a certain person is labeled under another topic or subject, instead of the actual description
4. placement
a. is where in the paper or in an article a story or event is printed; a pattern of placing news stories so as to
downplay information supportive of either conservative views or liberal views
5. story selection
a. is where in the paper or in an article a story or event is printed; a pattern of placing news stories so as to
downplay information supportive of either conservative views or liberal views
6. source selection
a. is where in the paper or in an article a story or event is printed; a pattern of placing news stories so as to
downplay information supportive of either conservative views or liberal views