Another Case of Good News from Iraq Ignored?
Tully over at Centerfield has an interesting post about the coverage (or lack thereof) given to the recent rescue of an Australian held captive in Iraq.
As much as I tend to reject the idea that the media has a blatant political bias, I do have to admit that good news from Iraq is hard to find. Most often, the story is another rehash of another attack, body counts splashed in the headline. It's not that I think the media shouldn't report on the violence, it's that I think the violence is too often given prominence over the triumphs.
The old line "if it bleeds it leads" still seems to be in effect. That's unfortunate because I feel we aren't really getting the full story of what's happening in over there.
posted by Alan Stewart Carl @ 4:33 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
You "tend to reject" the notion the media has a political bias? When do you return to Pluto?
Anonymous...hmm, now I don't know if you're saying the media DOES have a political bias or does not. But I gather you find me spacey.
Let me clarify...I think, the media (plural) averages out on most issues. Not always. But I don't think Americans are being hoodwinked.
The media's bigger biases tend to be focused on shock value and confrontation.
they've rescued two people and killed tens of thousands. mathematically, we shouldn't hear about the rescues at all.
i thought about covering the australian, but it just doesn't matter. it's wonderful that he's safe, but are iraqis?
EG--yeah, I'd go with misinformed. I never said the media were good.
Getting back to political bias, a poll showed something like 90 per cent of the Washington press corps voted for Kerry. Evan Thomas, a topsider at Newsweek, said the media bias in favor of JFKII was worth 15 points. The election wouldn't have even been close with a press that played it down the middle.
The problem I have with saying a media bias can influence elections is the same problem I have with leftists who say Republicans "trick" voters into voting Republican.
Both theories rely on you to believe that your opponents vote the way they do because they're just too stupid to know better. That they are easily tricked. I don't buy it. The vast majority of people a smart enough to wade through any propaganda and vote for good reasons.
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