Media Bias

by Pamela Horton
Is there a difference between conservative views and liberal views. Of course, there is. Since the government funds most of the large corporate news stations, does this cause a bias opinion on behalf of the journalists. According to the media research organization (http://www.mrc.org/) this is true. Research has shown that ABC, CBS, and NBC have shown bias during this years presidential election run-offs. Mitt Romney and current President Barrack Obama were given two different amount of time putting more negative attention toward Romney. Two tapes were found uncovering each belief of the nominees, however, Romney's tapes were given more time to air.

The media research organization said, "In contrast, when tape emerged of Barack Obama stating he was in favor of “redistribution” of wealth, reporters barely broached the story, spending only six minutes, 28 seconds over eight stories. In all the Big Three networks this week devoted about 88 minutes to the Romney tape compared to just six and a half minutes on the Obama clip -- a 13 to 1 ratio" (http://www.mrc.org/media-reality-check/abc-cbs-nbc-hype-romney-hidden-camera-tape-bury-obamas-redistribution-clip).

As Journalists bias should not be apart of uncovering corruption of anybody. There is a code of ethics (http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp) that is given to follow but not unlawful if not followed. One particular code is to have accurate information. Then further goes on to say tell the story with diversity no matter how unpopular it is. Personal views are put aside and common sense and knowledge take part when writing a story. Every story may not be something we, as journalists, believe in but should that make "us" change our story to fit what we believe. Absolutely NOT! My whole point is if the government was conservative would the views have shifted toward liberal corruption? 

Least Favorite/Favorite Websites

by Pamela Horton

 • The Gadsden Times Online: http://www.gadsdentimes.com/section/news The main problem with the Gadsden times online it does not follow a lot of the newspaper template normally used in the paper form. When wanting to access local jobs in the area it will take you to another website called Monster that requires registration (which is time consuming) rather than just seeing what is available right away.

 • The Anniston Star Online: http://www.annistonstar.com/ I enjoy the Anniston Star because anyone can posts events, stories, etc. a once overviewed by the star will be posted for all to see. Makes it easier than going into the office and having to fill out paperwork and speak to someone.

 • The USA Today Online: http://www.usatoday.com/life/index I like the USA Today online paper because the latest topics are listed front and center. Its easy to navigate or locate a story because it has an additional news topic buttons that will take you there easily. More pictures are on the front page as well that can make it easier to find the story your looking for. The websites is labeled according to pics, top news, popular news, area news, etc.

 • Jacksonville State University Website: http://www.jsu.edu/ I like the template used. Easily to find anything you’re looking for from phone numbers and emails to financial aid…..All events upcoming and news is on the front page. The box on the upper left hand corner allows incoming transfers or freshman easily make use of the website by giving additional buttons to push for information regarding expenses, academics needed, and campus life.

 • Video Chat OOVOO Website: http://www.oovoo.com/home.aspx This website can be irritating to a newcomer. It is not easy to navigate at all. It gives you four tabs to choose from to explain the tools that can be used. If you want to learn how to use it, well good luck, because with the 10 or more buttons for an explanation on how to use it can take someone a lifetime. I like video chat but is not easily understood on this website at all.