In his Sunday article, Armando Acuna outlined the anticipated coverage of the race between Republican Tom McClintock and Democrat Charlie Brown. Acuna identified two issues the Bee's political reporter, Amy Chance, will focus on. Here's the money quote:
"Brown is seeking to elevate veterans' issues, so that will be an element of our coverage this time, and we'll look at the sort of projects the district might need help with in Congress," explains Chance.See how she is structuring the Bee's coverage? She begins with the issue the Democrat "is seeking to elevate." Very helpful for the Democrat in the race, isn't she.
So it's no wonder most Americans believe the mainstream media is biased.
Just 17% of voters nationwide believe that most reporters try to offer unbiased coverage of election campaigns. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that four times as many—68%--believe most reporters try to help the candidate that they want to win.
The perception that reporters are advocates rather than observers is held by 82% of Republicans, 56% of Democrats, and 69% of voters not affiliated with either major party. The skepticism about reporters cuts across income, racial, gender, and age barriers.
Ideologically, political liberals give the least pessimistic assessment of reporters, but even 50% of those on the political left see bias. Thirty-three percent (33%) of liberals believe most reporters try to be objective. Moderates, by a 65% to 17% margin, see reporters as advocates, not scribes. Among political conservatives, only 7% see reporters as objective while 83% believe they are biased.
Related:
Sacramento Bee says its campaign coverage is structured to favor the Dem candidate
