| ID | 111962 |
| Title Proper | Interesting bias |
| Other Title Information | lessons from an academic's year as a reporter |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Niven, David |
| Publication | 2012. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Most rigorous studies conclude that there is no consistent partisan or ideological bias in the mainstream American news media. This suggests a natural but little-asked question: Why isn't there more bias in the media? A year spent working as a journalist suggests a possible answer: Advancing a political perspective does not help secure a place on the front page. Instead, the core incentive for a journalist is to be interesting. Interesting work that reveals the essence of a situation garners a more prominent spot in the newspaper and all its associated benefits. Because "interesting" sources are found on both the left and the right, among Republicans and Democrats, balance does not require a Solomonic commitment to fairness. Rather, balance can be achieved merely as a by-product of the effort to be interesting. |
| `In' analytical Note | Political Science and Politics Vol. 45, No.2; Apr 2012: p.259-264 |
| Journal Source | Political Science and Politics Vol. 45, No.2; Apr 2012: p.259-264 |
| Key Words | American News Media ; America ; Media |