Truth and the Media

Unfortunately you can’t always believe everything a politician or the news media tells you.  Is the media biased?

Select a recent issue in the news that the president and/or Congress are currently debating. View news coverage of the same story from:

• National network news
• Cable network news
• PBS news outlet

Analyze the three different broadcasts and evaluate the amount of time each broadcast spent on the story. How balanced was their presentation? Did the reporter show bias or a preference for one side of the debate or another?

Visit the factcheck website and view recent postings on their analysis of a national politician or political parties’ claims related to the issue you selected. How well did the media do at either supporting or refuting the truth in their coverage?