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OPINIONS IN THE NEWS
There are three main places opinions appear as part of the mainstream news: Editorials, Columns, and Letters to the Editor. EDITORIALS: The Editorial Staff is made up of a group of journalists from the newspaper. Their job is to determine what the paper’s position will be on issues and write editorials expressing those views. These editorials are based on research, debate, and personal experience. Boston Globe Editorials New York Times Editorial Board COLUMN: These are articles written by columnists who are journalists hired by the newspaper to comment on aspects of the news, usually weekly. Columnists can write about “news” topics, sports, entertainment, etc. They usually develop devoted readers. New York Times Columnists Dan Shaughnessy - Boston Globe Sports Columnist LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: These are letters written by readers of the news source commenting on news stories or current events that the newspaper chooses to print. Miami Herald Letters to the Editor Because the news source is taking responsibility for all three of these, they are likely to be logical and based in fact. |
VOCABULARYOmission: something that has been left out or excluded
Bias: A tendency to believe that some things are better than others and let that belief affect your views and behavior. |
Two Columns
Choose one of these Boston Globe columns to read. While you're reading, identify words and language that show opinion or bias. Also make note of any factual information you notice.
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TRUSTWORTHY |
RELEVANT |
ACCESSIBLE |
CURRENT |
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Focus on TRUSTWORTHYA source might be TRUSTWORTHY, but can also be biased.
Look for information in the "About" section of the website and clues in the language of the information to figure out if it is neutral or there is bias present. |
Vocabulary
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Liberal: Believing that government should be active in supporting social and political change (typically Democrat in the U.S.or LEFT).
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Conservative: Believing in the value of established and traditional practices in politics and society (typically Republican in the U.S. or RIGHT).
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Bias: A tendency to believe that some things are better than others and let that belief affect your view and behavior.
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Neutral: Not skewed in one direction or another.
Partisan: Firmly loyal to a particular political party.
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media bias
Take a look at the two Media Bias Charts below. These are good resources for you to keep in mind when looking for news. Where the source falls on the chart matters more when looking at political and “hot-button” topics than it does for topics like the weather or results of sports competitions.
Always remember to look for NEUTRAL/CENTER information or check different sources for a variety of PERSPECTIVES.
Always remember to look for NEUTRAL/CENTER information or check different sources for a variety of PERSPECTIVES.
