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Directions
-Read the excerpt below from Noel Sheppard's post at newsbusters.org on April 10th.
-Read "Types of Media Bias" in the right column. Then answer the questions.
In 2004, Lars Mortensen TV-Produktion of Denmark created a documentary about global warming myths entitled Doomsday Called Off.
In it, scientists from around the world shared real data and statistics refuting claims by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concerning man’s role in warming the planet (must-see video in five parts available here, here, here, here, and here…).
Much like the recent British documentary “The Great Global Warming Swindle,” it is almost [certain] that this spectacular program will never be aired by American television.
However, CBC in Canada did air it in November 2005. Here’s how it was described at that network’s website (emphasis added):
In this eye-opening documentary viewers will discover how the most respected researchers from all over the world explode the doom and gloom of global warming.
Humans stand accused of having set off a global climate catastrophe by increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
The prophecy of doom is clear and media pass on the message uncritically.
Now serious criticism has arisen from a number of heavyweight independent scientists. They argue that most of the climatic change we have seen is due to natural variations.
They also state that if CO 2 is to play a role at all -it will be minuscule and not catastrophic!
Any questions as to why this documentary, or any skeptical of anthropogenic global warming, won’t be shown any time soon on American television?
Go to NewsBusters.org for the original posting.
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
NOTE: If the American media choose not to air a documentary challenging current beliefs on global warming, it would be bias by story selection.
(Read the definition of bias by story selection under “Types of Media Bias.”)
1. Do you think that the American media will air this documentary? Explain your answer.
2. Why should the media give equal air-time to those scientists who challenge the theory of Global Warming? Explain your answer.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the answers.
Answers
1. OPINION QUESTION. Answers vary.
2. Every issue has two sides. It is the media’s responsibility to inform viewers of all of the facts by providing balanced reports or to present reports on both sides of an issue in a timely fashion. The documentary challenging global warming is creditable and therefore should be shown along with the many reports that allege global warming is caused by human activities. The media’s reponsibility is to inform the public – to provide news consumers with informaton on both sides of an issue so that people can form educated opinions.
