Source bias

Sources may twist facts
in their favor

Much of the bias in the media could be solved if the sources interviewed for stories were required to take an oath before talking with a reporter. If they could be compelled to tell “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” news consumers would be much better informed.

Unfortunately, many news sources get paid to twist the facts in ways that lead us to believe a version of the truth that isn't accurate or complete.

Call it spin, media management or whatever you like, it comes down to manipulation of information with the goal of convincing the public to see an issue in a way that's beneficial to an individual or group. It is intentional bias of the news.

Source bias may be the most dangerous type of news bias because those that seek to manipulate your thinking are very good at what they do and the better they are, the less you are likely to notice.

For news consumers, the only defense is to understand that there is a game afoot and to look for clues about how the news may be being twisted. To do that, it's important to know the different types of sources and the roles they play in the process of reporting the news.

News sources come in several varieties. They are:

• Witnesses – People who have direct information about a newsworthy event. They may have seen the event or know people involved.
• Official sources – These are often police or fire department personnel, but it could also be a White House press secretary, company spokesperson or hired public relations firm.
• Expert sources – People with special knowledge that provides insight into a news event. An aircraft engineer may discuss a plane crash or a retired general may comment on a story concerning the military.

Part of a reporter’s job is to get past the manipulation and bring us the facts. Often that’s an impossible task. A reporter might not be able to get past a company spokesperson to find out additional details about a business because it’s not known who on the inside has the best information. The reporter will be stuck with whatever information is provided.

Expert sources, by definition, have information most of us don’t have. Reporters can talk with other experts to find out if a source is credible, but, in the end, the reporter may only be able to relate what he or she has been told.

For more information on this topic, check out our section on Media Bypass and visit SourceWatch.org, a web site dedicated to exposing efforts to manipulate the news.