Community Corner

Just How Biased Is the Media?

There are constant accusations, from both sides of the aisle, of media bias. But just how bad is it really? What do you think?

There has been accusations of media bias as far back as when mass media began in its earliest forms. According to Wikipedia.org, in the United States there were accusations of media bias back in the 1700s. In 1798, Congress is reported to have outlawed any outright criticism of the government, but that was reversed in 1801.

However, it appears that now at least the perception of media bias has reached a point that it has damaged media credibility more than at any time in the past.

In 2011, Gallup Polls indicated that most Americans do not have confidence in mass media and its ability to report the news fairly. A 60 percent majority reported bias, with 47 percent saying the slant was liberal and 13 percent saying it was conservative. Only about 36 percent of the public indicated that they believed the media reported the news fairly. According to Gallup, since 2002 more Americans think the bias is liberal than conservative. 

Find out what's happening in Mariettawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Do you personally trust the media to give you the news without any bias, either liberal or conservative? What bias do you perceived in the news reporting you see - either liberal or conservative?

Keep up with news by subscribing to our free email newsletterliking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

Find out what's happening in Mariettawith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here