refers to the bias of journalists and news producers within the mass media, in the selection of which events and stories are reported and how they are covered. The term “media bias” usually implies a pervasive or widespread bias contravening the standards of journalism, rather than the perspective of an individual journalist or article. The direction and degree of media bias in various countries is widely disputed.
Practical limitations to media neutrality include the inability of journalists to report all available stories and facts, and the requirement that selected facts be linked into a coherent narrative (Newton 1989). Since it is impossible to report everything, some selectivity is inevitable. Government influence, including overt and covert censorship, biases the media in some countries. Market forces that can result in a biased presentation include the ownership of the news source, concentration of media ownership, the selection of staff, the preferences of an intended audience, and pressure from advertisers.
There are a number of national and international watchdog groups that report on bias in the media.
Interesting topic,i mean could you imagine if there was a country or a city for example where the papers only reported on the party in power, the media as to be one of the most obvious ways of political groups to get out there message ,once you starve that source you have serious issues. How for example would activist or people trying to get accross a message to the public survive. Over the coming months and years this city and this country will be ripped apart, many working class sections, sick and the aged will suffer. how will local activist highlight these issues if starved of their right to highlight them? of course many local politician would love the idea only their views are being reported to the masses. Over the coming months i will be putting messages out accross the streets in Salford by leaflets,and the Internet. People like Steve Kingston will probably agree how funding can stop his work, i would be happy with fair reporting and equality in our local Rag but that will never be, so if there is to be change it will have to be from the ground up, One of my colleagues this week will be seeking a view from the owners of our local paper i wait with baited breath for the answer.I was informed yesterday by a senior reporter there has been movement in the editorial section of the advertiser.Perhaps the editor who ever that is this week would care to comment, but all i could say on that point is not to hold any hope.
