Selection and presentation - Bias

• What did the Glasgow University Media Group (GUMG) study?

  • They studied TV news over a long period of time 1970s-1980s to look for evidence of bias
  • They focused on the coverage of workplace strikes
  • They used detailed content analysis of TV news bulletins
• What are the findings of GUMG?

  • The selection of news was based on dominant class values
  • The voice-overs were biased in favour of dominant class values
  • Management were given more access to the media than strike leaders
  • The filming and editing was biased in favour of the police
• What are some examples of GUMG?

  • Picket line violence was reported more than police violence
  • Leading terms such as ‘trouble makers’ and ‘pointless strike’ were used
  • TV interviews with management were longer and more frequent than strike leaders
  • Cameras were often placed behind police lines, showing the police viewpoint
• How is the GUMGs work used?

  To demonstrate bias in the news and in the values and assumptions of the journalists and editors who produce and construct the news.
• Why is the GUMGs work highly respected?

  As they’ve studied a lot of news in great detail
• What is a criticism of the GUMGs ?

  This study was carried out in the 1970s and 1980s so may not be relevant today
• Bias in the news

  the image of the news as objective reporting of fact makes this bias even more important, because people are more likely to believe it if they think Its unbiased