"-=jd=-" wrote in message
...
On Wed 07 Apr 2004 01:23:07p, Larry Ozarow wrote in
message :
We disagree about whether these networks really
display a "liberal" bias. I listen to both Morning
Edition and All Things Considered on a regular basis
and I don't think they are biased. True I might be
brainwashed, or biased myself, but that could be true
of anyone, even you.
And even if NPR and PRI and PBS were liberal mouthpieces,
and supported heavily by foundations, (which is not strictly
true - the news programs which I assume is what you are
talking about are overwhelmingly supported by subscriptions
from member stations) this would not negate the fact that
it's done on both sides, which is all I was saying.
I think the bias is there, but subtle. I like FOX on the television and I
readily admit I can see the slant to the right. When on the road, I like
NPR and I can see the slant to the left.
Neither bias bothers me because I believe they are not there to alter
facts. There is enough "peer-pressure" (for lack of a better term) for
both to keep the basic facts accurate. They both know that if they slip-
up, someone is going to catch it. They will earn a black-eye and the one
catching them will get to count coup.
As far as the bias, I do not see outright Rep or Dem bashing. What I see
is subtle biases like differences in descriptive terminology. Like, NPR
may refer to a terrorist as a suicide-bomber, while FOX calls them
homicide-bombers. Also, you may notice that NPR pretty-much tows the
"politically-correct" line, while FOX is not that observant. FOX always
refers to Bush as "President Bush" while I have heard NPR refer to him as
"Mr. Bush".
I know all of that sounds minor, if not out-right petty, but like I said,
it's subtle differences that I see indicating bias. But I really don't
mind it either way and I don't really focus on it. Other folks may really
take offense at some of that stuff and blow it out of proportion. If the
truth was known, I would bet the folks who vigorously complain about the
media being (Left/Right) are either hyper-sensitive to it, or scrutinizing
every bit looking for it...
-=jd=-
Well said!
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