How to Detect Bias

Each writer has his or her own attitidue, point of view, and worldview. However, news stories are supposed to be objective. They are supposed to present the facts. But do they?

Consider some ways bias can be shown.

Bias through selection and omission

By choosing whether to cover a specific news item, a news source communicates what it believes should matter to the public.
Within the story, details can be ignored or included to give readers or viewers a particular view about the events reported.
Uncovering bias: Compare news reports from a wide variety of sources to get the full story.

Bias through placement

Where a story is placed within the newspaper or news program influences what a reader or viewer considers its level of importance to be.
The first story in the news is assumed to be more important than stories at the end of the news or in the back pages of the paper.
Uncovering bias: Compare news reports from various sources and judge for yourself the importance of a news item.

Bias by headline

As the most-read part of a newspaper, headlines can express approval or criticism.
Uncovering bias: Read the story itself to determine if the facts support the title's opinion

Bias by photos, captions, and camera angles

Pictures can flatter people or make them look bad.
The photos chosen can influence heavily the public's perception of a person or event.
On television, this choice is even more important.
Captions and the narration of a TV anchor or reporter are also potential sources of bias.
Uncovering bias: Think about the attitude conveyed by the image. Does it portray an unbiased viewpoint?

Bias through choice of words

In many places around the world, one person's "terrorist" is another person's "freedom fighter".
Uncovering bias: Consider the connotations the words convey. Substitute words that are less value-filled. Does the meaning of the story change?