Newspaper Bias

Bias through Placement Readers of the newspaper judge the first page stories to be more significant than those at the back. Where a story is placed therefore influences what a reader or viewer thinks about its importance.

Bias by Headline Many people only read the headlines of a newspaper. They can present hidden prejudices, convey excitement where none exists, express approval or condemnation.

Bias by Photos Some pictures can flatter and others can be made to look unpleasant. The choice of which photos to display (including captions) is potentially biased.

Bias through Names/Titles Labels and stereotypes are often used to describe people. Places. And events. A person can be described as a “terrorist” or a “freedom fighter”. Someone can be “materialist” or an “economy booster”.

Bias through Statistics Numbers can be inflated to make a disaster seem more spectacular than it is. “More than one hundred people died in an air crash” can be the same as “more than half survive air crash”. It reflects the person writing.

Word Choice and Tone The use of positive or negative words with particular connotation can strongly influence a reader.

How Does Each Headline Differ for the Same Story? Globe and Mail: "Senate votes 80-1 to give up $6000" Toronto Star: "Repentant senators hand back $6000 hike" Toronto Sun: "SENATE WAKES UP"

Bias by Source Control Always consider where the news item comes from. Is the information supplied by a reporter, an eyewitness, a police or fire official, a government official?

YOUR TURN Now that you are familiar with the many ways newspapers can demonstrate bias, find some examples of your own. Read several newspapers and identify as many examples of bias that you can find.