Discussion: The Media

Choose ONE of the options below for your post:

Option #1) Expose Media Bias: Follow These Steps in Creating Your Post:

1. Find an example of what you consider biased reporting – this may be an article from a newspaper or magazine, a video from a TV news channel, or an audio clip from a radio news program.  Post a functioning link to the article or clip and provide a full citation.  
2. Explain the nature of the bias and any techniques used to sway the reader/viewer/listener.  In what way is the news source showing preference for or against a certain person, party, policy or idea?  Note any of the following: use of language, tone, word choice, etc.; facts that were omitted, gotten wrong or taken out of context; use of flattering or unflattering images or descriptions; use of music or lighting to manipulate emotion;  any other evidence that the report is one-sided and biased.
3. Use and cite evidence from solid academic sources to make the case that bias is evident.  You might use articles from Politifact.com or Factcheck.org, other news stories from solid academic sources, primary data sources, etc.

Option #1) Analyze a Campaign Advertisement: Follow These Steps in Creating Your Post:

1. Find a campaign ad online for or against someone currently running for office – you may find these on candidate web pages, YouTube or other sources.  Post a functioning link to the advertisement (or embed it in your post if possible) and provide a full citation.  
2. Explain any techniques used to sway the viewer/listener.  Note any of the following: use of language, tone, word choice, etc.; facts that were omitted, gotten wrong or taken out of context; use of flattering or unflattering images or descriptions; use of music or lighting or voice to manipulate emotion; any other techniques of persuasion you find.
3. Use and cite evidence from solid academic sources to assess the truthfulness of the advertisement.  You might use articles from Politifact.com or Factcheck.org, other news stories from solid academic sources, primary data sources, etc. to check any claims made in the ad.

For full credit, respond to another student’s post.  Your response should be more than just opinion – use and cite solid academic sources to deepen and extend the discussion.

Please treat this like a mini research paper and pay attention to spelling, grammar, flow, citation of sources, etc. Since this discussion requires more research and use of solid academic sources, it will be weighted more heavily in the final grade than the first discussion