Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Here's What Media Bias Looks Like


This story was pointed out by reader Dave who was shocked that this story offered only one point of view. Sound journalistic practice, you know, the kind they teach a "J School", demands that opposing or contrasting points of view are included in any bonafide news story. The Federal Communications Commission has, in the past, gone so far as to penalize TV station licensees with sanctions up to and including license revocation for such "shenanigans".

The story (complete text below) contains the complaint of one person concerned that Senator Kruse's bill will forcibly inject religion into our schools and indoctrinate children. Fair enough.

What is missing from the story is a comment from any other person sharing that concern. Missing also is a comment from any school or school system about how they would be impacted by the proposed legislation. 

And, finally, there is no rebuttal by Senator Kruse to the woman voicing the opposition to the proposed legislation. It must have been too much work to ask for one.

In all fairness, the Maven notes that the beginning line of the story has been "updated" since it's the first presentation yesterday (1/21). When first seen by viewers, the reporter opened her story with the words "Senator Dennis Kruse is at it again". Nice. No bias here.

Bias? Laziness? Ineptitude? Read the story, if the Maven missed the other viewpoints, let me know.

The text of the WANE 15 story:


Indiana Senator pushes for ‘In God we Trust’ to be in every public classroom, one mother says ‘No’
Posted: Jan 21, 2020 / 11:28 PM EST / Updated: Jan 22, 2020 / 08:44 AM EST
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FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Indiana State Senator Dennis Kruse of Auburn is again pushing for the nation’s motto “In God We Trust” to be placed in every public school and library.
This isn’t Senator Kruse’s first attempt. Last year the senator introduced a similar bill which also included a provision that required every Indiana school to offer a Bible study course as an elective.
One mother disagrees with the bill, believing there should be a separation from state and religion.
“We all come from different households have different, we all have different beliefs,” said Erica Jamison. “I feel like really you alienate people if you start imposing religious issues into the public schools.”
Erica Jamison, a mother of three boys all enrolled in public schools in Allen County says it’s the parents’ duty to implement religion, not the teachers.
“I believe religion belongs in their sanctuary and it doesn’t belong in the school,” said Jamison.
If the bill passes a poster or photo of the motto will be required to be at least 11 inches tall and 17 inches wide. Jamison believes the money for the signs could have better use.
“My children have been in classrooms with 30-children and I think the money used to buy signs could be use in all of the schools throughout the state to hire another teacher to provide more classroom help,” said Jamison.
Another part of the bill would require the United States flag and Indiana’s flag to be in every classroom and library. Jamison says she isn’t opposed to this, but religion she be left out of it.
“The flag is very important to have, in the school or the classroom,” said Jamison. “I know in my kids school they say the The Pledge of Allegiance every morning, they have a moment of silence and you go on with your day.”
Copyright 2020 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


The story is here: 

 
 

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