Perception of media bias hurts democracy

The perception of mainstream news media bias may play a role in fewer Americans having an active interest and concern about politics, indicates a political sociologist from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. "If people hear over and over again that the media is biased, then they will begin to believe that," maintains Phil Wasburn, professor of sociology.

"Currently, public confidence in media is quite low, as it is in some other social institutions, and the misperception that the media is not providing balanced coverage certainly contributes to this trend. If the public is distrustful, that can lead to disinterest in the media. More importantly, it can also contribute to a lack of political information and discourage participation in the governmental process."

Wasburn says the assumption that the news media is biased is based largely on anecdotal evidence and often fueled by letters to the editor, talk radio, and guests on television news programs. Wasburn published a study that analyzed 900 news articles from Time and Newsweek magazines to evaluate partisan coverage in stories about crime, gender, poverty, and the environment.

"The study showed that these media outlets are doing the job they are supposed to do by providing fair and balanced coverage," Wasburn insists. "It is important people hear this message because the misperception has a disenchanting effect. Less than half of the U.S. population votes, and I believe the myth about media bias is a contributing factor. A democratic nation's foundation depends on a free and independent media, but when the public believes the media is partisan, that belief can discourage people from being participatory citizens."

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