When you look at how debates are presented in the media you use, do you think they are even close to providing the right balance? Try listening to, or watching your favourite broadcast news programme and pay more attention than usual to who they have to provide comment. How many times do their attempts at balance, accurately represent opinion, and how often does it actually distort reality?
-
-
Znethru
Pro - http://www.febland.net/
- 2009-04-13 @ 13:56:46
-
-
-
freeasthewind
- 2009-04-13 @ 14:27:17
Mmmmm must say I listen and then put my own balance in. As I am always right or not
-
-
-
jenray
Pro - http://www.jenniferhunter.co.uk
- 2009-04-13 @ 15:08:00
I tend to listen to Euronews...Europe's TV might leave a lot to be desired but I find their news reporting to be far superior to ours and very broad, with good interviews with the world's leaders, scientists, artists etc...the Mag is excellent because it does actually review culture and not the rubbish E24 produces, the BBC's equivalent, and Science has the latest innovations, most of which we barely hear about here, if at all...and their No comment section is fascinating...and even better, they don't have newscasters...just a voice over a wide expanse of video footage of world events...I find it far more balanced than our bland reporting...pity we haven't taken up Europe's news casting and put aside our out of date and boring method of dispensing news....GBHs...XXX
-
Very helpful and constructive Jen!
I've also noticed the differences...especially ith their 'back-ups' and 'by-lines'. To emulate Europe seems to be like dangling a red-rag to a bull....for many in good 'ole Eng-a-land...(UK?). Good comments, Jen! Thanks! xx
-
-
-
SeasideMan
Pro - 2009-04-13 @ 16:09:49
I think all media slant it one way or another although some less so than others. On the telly, I seem to remember Channel 4 being pretty good.
I used to reckon that if you read both The Guardian and The Times, the truth would be somewhere between the two.
Tom. -
-
-
joebangles
- 2009-04-13 @ 16:24:53
I don't think that any one can have a completely unbiased view of any thing and it would be very difficult to avoid a personal feeling to enter any interview.
The political party's in particular have become very adept in putting up the right person for interviews, that person is well versed in the party line and seeing the subject in a way that would make them more valuable to the party, thus, promotion and more pay. -
-
I am sure that my views have little connection with reality.
Similarly all reporting seems to reflect certain prejudices which often are not mine.
I sometimes wonder who makes the final decision on what is reported and how, but I suppose someone has to do it! -
-
mojacar
- 2009-04-13 @ 18:45:43
My take on media reporting is, that they are more interested in creating news than merely reporting it. They tell you that a Report is coming out that day, but proceed to tell you what will be in it.
Or, the alternative to that, there is too much "expert" opinion, or comment.
I also think there are too many repitions of the same bit of news - they tell us what they are going to tell us, tell us, and then, tell us what they have told us.
There i have got all that off my chest - I can go cook something to eat now.-
Thanks M! I think Jneray has made an excellent comment, re our learning from European Newscasts! Will we?
-
-
mojacar
- 2009-04-13 @ 20:58:43
Hi, yes we often go for the News on German T.V., if its a "World" Story and get their take on it. We speak a little German, but understand and read a lot more.
-
-
-
-
-
crystalcures4u
- http://crystalcures4u.blog.co.uk
- 2009-04-14 @ 09:08:01
When I 'm back home for the summer in Canada I do enjoy the presentation of BBC's News hour, nicely spoken proper english, informative and unbiased. Also try to catch it in Bangkok it's the best handle on reality. If you would like to see a stark contrast please watch the political right channel in the USA Fox News, horrid!!! Once was enough
-
Thanks Crystal! Yes! Have heard enough re Fox News...and other channels in USA......don't want to get a 'heart attack'
....It's only when one watches or follows newscasts from elsewhere in the world, does one realise the imbalance in our own. I make a point of getting news On-line from elsewhere...and also...by shortwave radio!
-
-
-
MarikaSunSeeker
- 2009-04-14 @ 11:25:15
I agree with Joe Bangles, it is unlikely that anyone can have a completely unbiased view on anything; maybe we should start having for and against news items to run consecutively to each other? but of course that would not be possible in this country. Political Correctness would not allow it
So, probably best that we stick to diplomatic half hidden bias eh? Most people learn to read between the lines quickly enough 
-
BBC news isn't biased and England the UK of GB is the centre of the World (if not the Universe).