A large part of the reason people are frustrated with the media is because of real or perceived media bias. The TYT Army values the very important role of media as a medium of education where people have access to information they need for decision-making. Sometimes corporate media or social media is the only means by which people are informed about important subjects.
When that information is delivered as objective and factual, but is in fact subjective and loaded with bias, this is harmful to society. The fact that media corporations work hand-in-glove with our government is becoming increasingly alarming. The media, like our government, should be independent and accountable to we the people. The media has a responsibility to being objective over neutral.
While some people in the media do an outstanding job, they are going to make mistakes. This includes independent progressive media as well as establishment media, whether liberal or conservative. In our effort to be objective, unbiased, transparent, and credible – the TYT Army aims to hold all those in the media accountable for their biases, particularly those that negatively impact our communities and their viewers’ ability to critically think.
It’s important to note that we do not assume that media bias is an attempt to spread propaganda and, therefore, are not assuming their intentions. Good people with good intentions can report uninformed stories. We are here to help them do their job of responsible journalism.
To define media bias, we start with the basic definitions of bias. Being aware of these most common types of bias helps us to be logical and open-minded when it comes to decision-making.
It’s important for us to keep in mind that everyone has biases. Not one person is exempt. Knowing this, we work hard to be cognizant of our biases in order to increase our level of objective reasoning and we expect the same of others.
Bias is simply the preferential treatment, or disproportionate weight, towards or against something. Sometimes this is done intentionally; sometimes biases are influenced by our unconscious beliefs. Everyone has biases.
Cognitive Bias is the tendency to search for evidence of an assumption we already believe, whether it’s in support of something or against it. This can be done intentionally or unconsciously.
Attribution Bias is the tendency to attribute reasons or motivations for others without concrete evidence, such as assuming a person’s intentions. This can be done intentionally or unconsciously.
Media Bias is the preferential treatment, or disproportionate weight, towards one or more of the following. This can be done intentionally or unconsciously.
- financial donors
- corporate profit and ratings
- political party
- status quo
- upper class
- fellow journalists
Have you found media bias? Send us your submission.