What is bias?
Bias is a closed minded prejudice against a group or a person.
Is the media biased? Why?
Yes, the media is biased. Everyone's opinion is different and they are going to write about the narrative that best fits them. This is because, for example, if the SUN newspaper was to touch on taxing the rich they'd show how negative it would be as the owner of the SUN newspaper is himself a billionaire so why would he want his paper to encourage the government to take money off him? It's just the same with the Guardian newspaper, they are classed as a left-wing and 'politically correct' newspaper so it would be odd for them to not want to tax the rich. Every piece of media we consume is bias.
What causes bias?
A list of things could cause bias in journalism:
A journalist’s previously held attitudes or beliefs
Pressure from media owners
Depressingly, hate sells
Attitudes found in the media may reflect structural, systemic problems in our society.
Analysis of articles:
It is clear that the Daily Mail and the Daily Express are in support of Boris and the conservative party. This is shown through the language, 'I'll bash on', 'Defiant' and 'Unbowed'. All are key words used to show support. The phrase 'I'll bash on' has more than likely been chosen to show a human, down to earth side of Boris. Trying to show that he's just like the general public at heart and even though he's had his struggles he will thrive on. The images they use make him look put together and appropriate for the job at hand. Both newspapers show gratitude towards Boris and are keen to fill the reader with hope that the conservative party will continue to thrive.
On the other hand, The Guardian and the Daily Mirror show clear signs of resentment towards Boris and the conservative party. This is shown through their language, 'vote humiliation', 'liars' and 'lawbreakers'. These words show a clear distaste for Boris and his party. The word 'lawbreakers' was without a doubt chosen to show how Boris contradicts himself and how weak his party is, you can make the rules but you won't follow them? Both papers then go on to use images that are at the very least unflattering, he is shown to be scruffy and messy. This showing that both are not in favour of Boris and have a complete lack of faith, which is what they would like the public the think.
This proves that bias is very much real in the media as the owners of the Daily Mail and the Daily Express support the conservative party therefore reflect their ideals upon their newspapers. It's the same for the Guardian and the Daily Mirror, their owners don't support the conservative party therefore want their papers to reflect their ideals.
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