Open your MInd!
Each of us approachs news from a point-of-view that has been formed by our backgrounds and our experiences. Naturally, we are attracted to those stories that support the way we already perceive the world. You'll need to make a conscious effort to look at things "from the other side."
Cross-Check the facts!
Are there sources or statistics cited? Are these verifiable? Look up "facts" that are used to support any arguement. Are these consistently reported across sources, both conservative and liberal. If not, they may be spin. Look for agreed upon information. Ask yourself, can this information be checked against public record?
Ask lots of questions!
This is just as important when we are listening to arguments that we tend to agree with , as it is when we listen to those with which we tend to disagree.
Consider the source!
Do the authors or speakers have known or suspected biases. This can bring credibility into question. Don't be afraid to think for yourself!
Never assume language used is neutral
Word choice can have a significant impact on the reader's reaction to information. Are the words used positive or negative? Provocative or reassuring? Consider "inheritance tax" vs. "death tax." How does each evoke different reactions for different people? Watch for words that express emotions, opinions and value judgements such as awful, amazing, or beautiful. Sometimes a qualifier is used to express an absolute idea such as: always, could, likely, never or possibly.
Never assume words mean the same thing to all people.
While we all speak the same language, local, generational, and personal connotations can effect how we interpret what we read. Our understandings may not be the same as the writer or the subject's. Read around the words into the context and tone to get a better grasp of the writer's meaning
Commercial Bias
News is sponsored by advertisers. Does the news presented reflect the advertisements embedded within the media
Temporal Bias
News agencies look for "breaking stories," often relegating old news to the back page or leaving it entirely uncovered. Scan the back pages too!
Visual Bias
Including visuals will draw the reader's attention. Do images presented evoke specific responses? Do they prejudice the reader to view the news one way?
Sensationalism
Good news is less exciting than news that is shocking or frightening. Does the media exaggerate details to make a story more interesting? Does the news agency focus only on the negative aspects of a story?
Narrative Bias
Writers will generally develop a plot line - beginning, middle, and end - complete with drama. News, however, is rarely so tidy. Remind yourself that stories you read in the news are "unfolding." If a story captures your attention, its best to follow that story over a period of time.
Fairness Bias
Ethical journalism is, in theory, fair. When a controversy arises, reporters will generally attempt to get the "other side" of the story. When a rebuttal is reported, it can seem like the media is taking one side or another. Read carefully to determine if presentation of both arguements is neutral.
Expediency Bias
News is driven by deadlines. Those deadlines sometimes mean that reporters will return to experts they know well and have had successful contacts with previously. This may slant news in towards the political views of these experts.
