Last week, my sister was asked about civic politics by a reporter on the street. She answered his question and went about her day. Two different news channels used the footage, and each used a small portion of her quote to support their assessment of the political events in Nanaimo. The strangest part of this story is that the two news stations held opposing editorial views. If you believed everything you watch on TV, you might come to the conclusion that my dear sister holds simultaneously opposite political opinions.
There is bias inherent in the media. So what do we, the audience, do? Do we shut our eyes and ears and ignore the events in the world? Perhaps, instead, we should play an active role in the way we learn from the news.
The news media has a responsibility to strive to provide objective reports of current events. In reality, this is a virtually impossible task. The very best in the field can come close to escaping bias, but it is always there. We, the audience, have a responsibility as well. We are charged with monitoring incoming information and asking ourselves, "What may have been omitted from this report?" We must begin to form our own opinions, instead of relying on editorials to tell us how we should feel. Our interpretations of events may change as more information becomes available. The credibility of a news organization must be assessed. When "facts" are presented, ask "How likely is it that these statements are correct?"
Both the news media and the audience have an obligation to live up to their respective responsibilities.
Be cautious of what you're told, because it may not be true. But don't stop listening because of the existence of lies.
The media, however hard they try can never not be bias. Even if it comes down to the person taking the photo etc, step to the left and you cut out something that the photographer thinks in minor but others do not. People are bias if they mean to be or not. There are obviously people who try to present a certain take on things but even when people are trying to be unbiased you can't escape taking a "side".
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