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-Read the excerpt below from Colleen Raezler's March 11th report posted at CultureandMedia.org.
-Read "Types of Media Bias" in the right column. Then answer the questions.
Embryonic stem cell research is a hot topic among pro-life advocates because it involves the destruction of human embryos in order to obtain the stem cells needed.
CBS’ Chip Reid said of embryonic stem-cells during the March 6 Evening News “Scientists believe that by turning them into cells damaged by injury or disease, they can treat or even cure everything from spine cord injuries to Alzheimer’s disease to diabetes.”
Typical of ABC’s Lisa Stark’s weekend reporting on the issue was her explanation during the March 6 World News with Charles Gibson: “The president’s move will free up federal dollars for more widespread research on embryonic stem cells, the so-called master cells of the body. Supporters say it may lead to cures for diseases, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimers.”
What these reports ignore is that embryonic stem cell research has not produced any positive results. Daniel S. McConchie, vice-president of government affairs for Americans United for Life, wrote, “Ten years after the first isolation of embryonic stem cells, there is not a single disease that these cells can cure.” He adds, “Scientists have been conducting research on mouse embryonic stem cells for over 25 years and are yet unable to cure mice.”
Also, reporters didn’t mention the report last month that fetal stem cells caused a tumor in an Israeli boy who was given an experimental treatment for a rare brain disease. …
One-Sided Reporting:
… [ABC and CBS News] made sure to feature people who felt that the federal funding ban [on embryonic stem cell research] contributed to their personal tragedies. …
None of the reports on ABC or CBS mentioned the fact that researchers have found 73 different diseases that can be helped by adult stem cells, including Type 1 diabetes, spinal cord injuries and Parkinson’s disease. And again, embryonic stem cells haven’t produced a single positive result. ………………………..
What is it called when people only provide one side to the story in order to play on people’s sympathies regarding a particular topic? Propaganda.
The media has not been reporting this week. It’s been pushing liberal propaganda as absolute truth. Why are they so afraid to report the other side?
Read the entire post at CultureandMedia.org.
To accurately identify different types of bias, you should be aware of the issues of the day, and the liberal and conservative perspectives on each issue.
Types of Media Bias:Questions
1. Which types of bias is the excerpt below an example of – spin and omission, or placement and labeling?
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the answers.
Answers
1. The excerpt is an example of bias by spin and omission.
