Bias in Journalism
On a day when there remains much news worthy of reporting, on the forefront of the news is the continuation of weak-kneed management and bias in journalism. In particular, on this day, we have received the much-ballyhooed response from CBS’s internal investigation of Rathergate. As those with a healthy dose of cynicism or pragmatism, or what the media would label partisan bias, have expected, the report points to failures in the journalistic process yet finds no bias or political motive behind the story.
Is this a fitting end to the story? Indeed it is, as much as it is an end.
CBS has shown itself to be not only incapable of reporting news without bias, but more significantly, it has shown through this supposedly independent investigation that its management, as well as the likes of Dan Rather, are biased and incapable of operating beyond their bias. The management favors ratings to good journalism, and in all likelihood shares and supports the political bias behind the memos being broadcast. The management bias towards ratings, far greater than toward a just reporting of the news, is shown in the actions taken in conjunction with the release of the findings of the investigation. Dan Rather keeps his job. Four nominal, as far as ratings are concerned, executives are dismissed. Ratings drive this decision, how could CBS give up the fond farewell of Dan Rather and the hope of a ratings bonanza that’ll accompany it.
In the end, Rathergate was an attempt to change the way we vote, and to influence the direction of the nation. The cover-up, which has both been a success and a failure, is an attempt to retain the credibility, authority, and position needed for future attempts to influence the public. It is wrong, shameful, and, most likely, not the last word from those blinded by their bias, whether before the camera or in the executive chambers.
