Media Bias: Causes And Types Of Media Bias

Introduction

While living in an age of “fake news,” all media consumers are at risk for influence in most media outlets. While many agree that bias is present in the media, there are debates regarding the reasoning. Nonetheless, some may argue that bias is a product of customer preference (Sutter, 2011). Others may argue that media sources are focused strictly on profits (Robinson, 2014). However, regardless of the intention, the real issue at hand is the effect biased consumption has on consumers. Having media bias can seriously affect the direction of nation based on its voters. If the voters cannot be presented information from an objective standpoint, it is impossible for a nation to maintain its democratic principles.

Types of Media Bias

When studying bias in relation to politics, it must be known that there are separate ways in which bias can be implemented. First, “gatekeeping bias,” which is when a story is chosen in favor of a party; second is “coverage bias” which is the consideration of the “relative amount of coverage each party receives”; lastly, “statement bias” is focused upon the favorable coverage of either party (D’Alessio and Allen, 2000, p.133). It is imperative to note that the implementation of bias can go both ways. In like manner, Smith (2010) argued that when in the face of such bias attacks it can be effective to attack in retaliation. Smith (2010) noted that both parties are able to, “influence perceptions of bias” (p.319). However, as Budak, Goel and Rao (2016) stated that from their research, news organizations do not advocate for a specific party—as D’Alessio and Allen provided in their “statement bias”—but by “disproportionately criticizing one side”