Uncovering Bias in the News

News Literacy

by Duchess Harris

Media consumers rely on objectivity from their news sources, but that's not always a realistic expectation. Uncovering Bias in the News looks at the ways in which multiple media outlets can cover the same story in vastly different ways, the reasons for these differences, and how to recognize bias in a news report. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Core Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Genres: Nonfiction

48 pages, Library Binding

Published December 15, 2017

Reviews

[Laurie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been looking for good books on media literacy, and I am very happy with this one. The last few years have made it abundantly clear that media and information literacy desperately need to be taught to students and adults. However, books on such topics are often biased themselves. I was pleased to find this one is not.

The reading level is 5-6th grade, so it should work well for upper elementary students, but would also work well for high school students (and even adults). The book explains important subjects like confirmation bias and echo chambers, and points out how bias exists on both sides of the political spectrum. It also discusses how technology, 24-hour news, and social media have all played a part in spreading misleading or inaccurate information. It talks about media outlets rushing to be first and also how they might use shocking headlines. I really liked this quote:

"Be skeptical of shocking headlines. Notice the words or images used. If they seem designed to make people angry or emotional, it is likely a biased story." (p. 38)

I really appreciated how the author gave tips for being a responsible news consumer - things like checking the "About Us" page of a news website, looking into referenced "studies" for yourself, reading coverage of an event from multiple, diverse sources, and asking questions. This is good advice for EVERYONE. I will be quite happy to add this to my library's collection, and I hope parents and students will read it.

I'll leave you with the powerful closing words of the book:

"It is more challenging than ever to know what information is accurate. Responsible news consumers should be skeptical. The more you look for bias, the easier it is to identify. However, the truth is rarely so black-and-white. There are many sides to a story. It is up to each of us to ask questions and dig deeper to make up our own minds." (p. 41)

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Factual information about different news sources having bias and the necessity of looking at multiple news outlets. Includes a chart of which corporations own which media companies. Each chapter ends with a recommended extension activity.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear outline of bias in the news for students. Easily adaptable to High School lessons with some current examples. Many of the images are from the 2016 presidential election.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confirmation bias: when someone hears a news report that doesn’t support their opinion and they reject the facts, this is confirmation bias.

Even when news outlets try to be unbiased, they aren’t. Great visual on pg 8 of coverage of Obama vs Romney - coverage by CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.
(Based on Pew Research Center)

When someone’s opinion affects the news and how it’s reported, that’s bias.
Maybe they present interviews from only one Side of the issue or biased sources. Or maybe they give an incomplete account of what happened. The amount of time given for a story (broadcast) or the location of the story (print source) can also reflect bias. Word choice is another way to identify bias.

Are they telling you what to think? Or are they presenting the facts and letting you draw your own conclusions? “Responsible news consumers continue to ask questions. They dig deeper into what they see, read, and hear.”

Good reporters should recognize their own bias and consider it before filing a story.
Good graphic on pg 20 - What corporations control different media outlets

How language influences the news: “It is important because of the press always mentions what women wear, it may convey the impression what women are not serious candidates. It is important because if women are described by their emotions, if may falsely imply that women are not rational enough to lead... “ Erika Falk Women for President: Media Bias in Eight Campaigns

Online algorithms in your social media can keep you from getting a balanced account of the news. “Echo Chamber”

“Native advertising” = paid or sponsored content created to look like the news around it

Whose the source? Professional journalist, Humor website? Companies or groups with a bias? A concerned citizen?

Tips:
Keep asking questions
Understand the type of media you are looking at
Ask yourself “who is the audience?”
Check the source -
Identify the author
What are the sources within the story? Credible? Biased? Lack of sources? What makes their expert an expert?
If the author cites a study, find the study yourself.
Read additional stories on the topic to see if they agree.
Be skeptical of shocking headlines - are they trying to illicit an emotional response?

This series also includes online resources that supplement the book.