Bias in the News -- Paletz' Views

      1. FORM BIAS
        1. ordering (eliminate chaos, artificial order, condensation, problem solution, chronological, cause-effect)
        2. drama (fast cuts, artificial conflict by juxtaposition, emotion)
        3. aggressive interviews (makes people defensive, shot-gun, not normal rules of conversation = strange reactions)
        4. access (can't cover what can't be seen or where you aren't allowed, thinking/caring, motives)
        5. visual technique (motion/turmoil, camera angles for intimacy, superiority, warmth, nerves)
      2. MENTAL STRUCTURE BIAS
        1. Theme/interpretation schemata/Frames (social conventions, familiar "myths", massage parlor example, racism, women's salaries v men is discrimination??)
        2. Definition of what is news , threat and reassurance, significance or maybe not)
        3. knowledge of news reporters/editors (wrong understanding, "What's a mill?" complexity and time, limited interest in topic.
        4. source influence (elites get interviewed others don't)
EFFECTS ON PUBLIC OPINION
        1. stabilization (esp. of themes)
        2. expectations of effectiveness (of establishment, government, self)
        3. agenda setting (mild effect in known areas of low emotion) media polls effect the opinion they purport to reflect.
        4. amplification of views already held by all sides of an issue.
        5. change/creation (when knowledge base is low and personal connection is weak or in the direction of influence)

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last updated 3/8/2001