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Bias in the media and your digital presence

While most of the letters we get each week look a lot like the ones I just read, we occasionally get some critical ones too. Last week, we aired a story about presidential candidate Donald Trump - and his feud with a former Miss Universe… 

ALICIA MACHADO, FROM VENEZUELA: WINNER OF TRUMP'S MISS UNIVERSE CONTEST IN 1996. WITH ALL THE STRESSERS AFTER THE EVENT, MACHADO SAYS SHE GAINED ABOUT 20-POUNDS. TRUMP CLAIMED IT WAS AT LEAST 40. THAT'S WHEN, SHE SAYS, TRUMP PUBLICLY SHAMED HER. 

TODAY ON FOX-NEWS, TRUMP DEFENDED HIS TREATMENT OF MACHADO. 

We received a small number of complaints suggesting that the story – and our airing of it -- was biased. Bias is an unfair opinion in favor of -- or against -- one thing, compared with another. In this case, some viewers thought we were biased against Donald Trump. 

Bias in media is a big concern, because most media outlets – NewsDepth included – want to be a trustworthy source for news. And the truth is, we select stories for our show based not only on what is happening in the world, but also on what is appropriate for our audience (you!) -- and what we think offers an opportunity to teach. We chose the story on Donald Trump because we thought it provided an opportunity to talk about your digital presence…and how you should be careful, so the things you say or do now, won’t come back to haunt you when you apply to college, or a job, or even run for president! 

But we welcome any thoughts on our show – positive or not – and we encourage you to think critically, not just about THIS show, but all the other kinds of news you see! We’re always listening.

Instructional Links

Website Article: Write Express, Writing Tips, Examples of Bias

http://www.writeexpress.com/bias.html

Website Article: Wikipedia, Bias Examples

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bias