PUBLIC RELATIONS & MEDIA
There has been a lot of buzz today about the Us Weekly covers below vis a vis bias in the media. Although idealists suggest otherwise, I find the concept of an unbiased media simply impossible. First, as human beings, we have inherent biases that can’t be discarded on a whim. Whether political, cultural or simply a level of taste, each of us holds certain ideas closer than others. Secondly, bias creates tension and drama, which sells more magazines, attracts more viewers, and keeps online visitors coming back for more. Especially in an age when a new, unbridled media is quickly usurping the old, the rules of objectivity will continue to be a moving target.
Regardless of one’s political stance, bias in the media is a discussion worth consideration by PR professionals, and certainly a topic this PR blog will continue to blog on. As a student of journalism, I suggest reading Bias by Bernard Goldberg – Certainly will make you think.
Ronn Torossian
5WPR
September 4th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Talking of bias in the media - another important factor is the fact that every media outlet has a tendency to reflect ideas that its readers have.
A ‘liberal’ newspaper, knowing the approach of its readers, will tend to reflect ‘liberal’ ideas in covering events. A ‘conservative’ network, from the same reasons, would prefer to invite more ‘hawkish’ commentators.
We should think about ourselves as news consumers - we enjoy reading an article which is in line with our political views.
As you said, Ron, it “sells more magazines, attracts more viewers, and keeps online visitors coming back for more.”