Comments on: Should the news media endorse political parties?

By: judy

judy — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:28:06 +0000

Sorry left out my complete email.

By: judy

judy — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:24:57 +0000

Hi, I have been having a difficult time for years with this question of the media openly declaring a particular political leaning. Its not about you, the journalist or media, its about reporting the facts and leaving the intelligent readers or viewers to come to their own conclusions. The open bias distorts true facts for the biased agenda and leaves the public robbed or eroded in their ability to formulate a true and complete picture and assessment of the situations, events and political parties open and hidden stance. It is poor journalism and i am turned off and distrusting of all those who openly endorse and why, and what is really their true agenda to gain. And actually open endorsements breeds far more confusion and hostilities in homes, offices and universities. Its even given too much arrogance and power to the profession as they can sway the public opinion which is not their primary job and purpose and has diminished the integrity and humility of the profession to serve without bias or personal agenda.

By: tegis

tegis — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 11:27:37 +0000

Thanks for the comment Andrew.

Maybe it wouldn’t make me more willing to vote for that candidate or party but that is mainly because I’m pretty well-read about politics and I know where I stand. But for the average Joe on the street perhaps. People in general sadly believe in what they see and hear on the news media. Maybe it would also be welcomed with more education in source criticism for everyone before they enter the adult world …
But hey, you can explain one thing for me. How come the news network FOX write “Fair and balanced” as their slogan? Even I can see that is not the case, they are not even close being objective. I’m not saying they’re bad, I’m just saying it is obvious that they are not “fair and balanced”. It bewilders me, to say at least.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:33:38 +0000

Hi I found your blog while searching for images of censorship. I just wanted to give you something to think about as far as the media openly endorsing politicians. I think they should even in a small country like Iceland. The reasons being is that you’re right people can’t be politically objective, being open about their endorsement reveals the bias (good or bad) that people have, allowing people to make a more honest choice. Its better to have these things in the open than it is for a reporter to hide behind so called objective journalism, and adding to the confusion. Consider this and ask yourself, if a socialist candidate was running for office and the media was endorsing him. Would that make you more or less likely to vote for that candidate? Would that also make you more or less likely to believe what the media is saying?

I live in America, here our media tries hard to be objective, I think that’s why they talk about a politician’s hair so much. Because they are hiding they also open themselves up to charges of bias which may or may not be true, but because they wish to be objective the media will flip sides in an attempt to compensate for their perceived bias. Our “news” media isn’t news. I don’t think you could find a single American who doesn’t complain about the MSM “Mainstream Media” regardless of where they find themselves on the political spectrum.

I hope this reaches you and best of luck.
Andrew