"Liberal Media" ?
The first of a multipost series
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In our three-tiered government of federal, congressional, and judicial powers, there is a forth branch, keeping an eye on all the others. This pillar of our politic is the news media, the eyes and ears of the public. Their duty is inform us about our public servants actions and the countries events. American founding father Thomas Jefferson stated “The only security of all is in a free press. The force of public opinion cannot be resisted when permitted freely to be expressed. The agitation it produces must be submitted to. It is necessary, to keep the waters pure.” Clearly the importance of media integrity cannot be underestimated. It is then perplexing to hear some accuse this institution, divided among few hands, as being biased and liberal. While I prescribe to a liberal mindset, I am still uncomfortable with a subjective news source since it is often my only recourse for information when making civic decisions.

But is this accusation entirely correct or simply a reaction by sects of ideologs who are upset with truthful reporting that fails to support their opinions? In this paper I will investigate the claim of a liberal bias in the media, focusing particularly in the realm of cable news networks, specifically CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, who devote 24 hours a day presenting the public with the news and informative commentary. Investigating reports and statistical breakdowns of various news events, with special attention paid to three important news events of the last year; the death and funeral of Ronald Reagan, the 2005 Presidential inauguration and the coverage of the United States involvement in Iraq, I will evaluate the validity of the claims of a liberal media bias filling the airwaves.

As suggested before the role of journalism is pivotal in a democracy. But what exactly is a journalist? In today’s new media age of the internet and blogging anyone can post “news” without any prior standing or experience. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) defines a professional journalist as one who can “provide information in an accurate, comprehensive, timely and understandable manner”. Journalists who are part of the SPJ prescribe to the opinion that their mission should be to aid in the “perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty”. They go on to declare that “to ensure that the concept of self-government... remains a reality into future centuries, the American people must be well informed in order to make decisions regarding their lives, and their local and national communities.” [i] Journalist should provide the information to guide this process. This is a heavy responsibility with innate imbedded power

The influence journalist wield is due in part to their expansive reach and supposed credibility. In America, freedom of expression, and its firstborn free press, is the first entitlement guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. This high calling, as many see it, should aim to be an impartial observer and reporter for those who cannot be there first hand. This ideal is difficult, if not nearly impossible, to achieve, because every person will have their own standards and beliefs that affect them on a personal level. Idyllically a true professional should be able to put their personal platform behind them for the sake of accuracy. This is where the arguments of a biased press for many begins.

....To Be Contiued......

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Endnotes

[i] SPJ Mission. Society of Professional Journalists. Retrieved April 25, 2005, from http://www.spj.org/spj_missions.asp