Media Bias and Framing

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Journalistic reporting underwent significant changes beginning in the 1960s, marking a departure from traditional practices that had long been the foundation of American journalism. These changes were influenced by broader social, cultural, and political shifts during the decade, which transformed the landscape of media and reporting.

1. Shift in Journalism Education:

   • Before the 1960s, journalism education emphasized objectivity, accuracy, and fairness. Journalists were trained to report the news by double-sourcing facts, avoiding anonymous sources, and presenting all sides of a story fairly. These practices were ingrained in journalism schools and reflected in newsroom standards across the country.
   • In the 1960s, however, journalism education began to shift. This period saw the rise of a more subjective approach to reporting, influenced by the cultural upheavals of the time. Journalism schools started to focus more on storytelling and less on strict adherence to objective reporting. This change laid the groundwork for the more interpretive and opinion-driven journalism that would become increasingly common in later decades.

2. Introduction of Framing Theory:

   • One of the key changes in journalistic reporting was the adoption of "framing theory." Framing involves shaping the presentation of a news story by emphasizing certain aspects while downplaying or omitting others. This could include the use of specific keywords, stock phrases, and images that reinforce a particular narrative or viewpoint.
   • Instead of simply reporting the facts, journalists began to frame stories to align with their perspectives or the expectations of their audience. This approach led to a more subjective form of reporting, where the emphasis was on telling a compelling story rather than providing a balanced account of events.

3. Impact of the Vietnam War and Civil Rights Movement:

   • The Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement were pivotal events in the 1960s that influenced journalistic practices. Coverage of these events highlighted the growing divide between the press and government authorities. Journalists began to take on a more adversarial role, questioning official narratives and exposing government misconduct, as seen in the coverage of the Pentagon Papers and the Watergate scandal.
   • This shift towards investigative journalism and advocacy reporting reflected a broader skepticism towards authority and a desire to hold power accountable. However, it also contributed to the erosion of traditional journalistic norms of impartiality and objectivity.

4. Rise of Interpretive Journalism:

   • With the changes in journalism education and the impact of major social movements, there was a rise in interpretive journalism. This style of reporting goes beyond the who, what, when, where, and why to provide analysis and interpretation of events. While this approach can offer deeper insights, it also opened the door to more biased reporting, as journalists' interpretations could be influenced by their personal views or the interests of their employers.
   • The focus on interpretation rather than straightforward reporting meant that news stories became more subjective, with journalists often guiding their audience towards a particular conclusion.

5. Decline in Trust and Objectivity:

   • As journalistic standards shifted, there was a corresponding decline in public trust in the media. The perception that the press was becoming more biased and less reliable grew, particularly as journalists increasingly took sides on contentious issues. This decline in trust was exacerbated by the use of anonymous sources and the selective presentation of facts, which made it harder for the public to distinguish between news and opinion.

In summary, the changes in journalistic reporting beginning in the 1960s marked a move away from the traditional norms of objectivity, fairness, and accuracy. The rise of interpretive journalism, influenced by framing theory and broader social changes, led to a more subjective and sometimes partisan media landscape. These shifts have had lasting impacts on the practice of journalism and the public's perception of the media.

Citation (APA): Schweikart, L. (2024). A Patriot's History of Globalism: Its Rise and Decline [Kindle iOS version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com