 At one time or other we all complain about "bias in the news." The fact is, despite the journalistic ideal of "objectivity," every news story is influenced by the attitudes and background of its interviewers, writers, photographers and editors. Not all bias is deliberate. But you can become a more aware news reader or viewer by watching for the following journalistic techniques that allow bias to "creep in" to the news:

BIAS THROUGH SELECTION AND OMISSION  Editors can choose not to run a story  Some details can be ignored, or included in a story  If people boo, a reporter can write: Remarks greeted by jeers. Or... A handful of dissidents  Compare news reports to discover this bias

BIAS THROUGH PLACEMENT  Where a story is placed influences a reader into valuing its importance  Front – important  Back – not important

BIAS BY HEADLINE  Most-read part of a paper  Can incite excitement, or emphasize none

BIAS BY PHOTOS, CAPTIONS, AND CAMERA ANGLES  What is biased about this photo 14 times

BIAS THROUGH USE OF NAMES AND TITLES  Terrorist vs Freedom Fighter  Ex-Con vs. Wrongfully Accused

BIAS THROUGH STATISTICS AND CROWD COUNTS  What is the difference between these two: A hundred injured in air crash Only minor injuries in air crash

BIAS BY SOURCE CONTROL  Perspective or vested interest of the source person(s)  news release to advertise

BIAS BY WORD CHOICE AND TONE  Positive vs. negative language to trigger a particular emotion