A.I.M. for Accuracy?

http://www.aim.org/

Accuracy in Media’s mission is to uncover media bias, regarding political interests in everyday news. Their objective is to help consumers criticize their news sources, and hold those reporting the news accountable for misinforming society. 

In 2013, AIM reported generating a total of $1,413,639 in total revenues. $1,364,692 of that coming from contributions and grants and the other majority ($52,624) came from investment income. According to their form 990, their total expenses totaled up to be $977,950. The larger part of this sum ($247,241) came from salaries and wages while the next largest sum was classified as compensation of current officer, directors, trustees, and key employees ($164,85).

Donald Irvine, the Chairperson for AIM, took over for his father and founder, Reed Irvine. He is in charge of the 14 employees that work there, however, his annual compensation was not found.

Despite AIM’s goal of being an unbiased media hound, it could potentially have a partially-Republican bias because it was developed by a man who has conservative ideals, followed by his son who shares similar views. The organization focuses mostly on stories that have a Liberal bias, however, they supply their audience with a second opinion on the issue, providing them with all the information, from both sides of current controversies.

A donation of $25.00 or more must be made in order to become a member, and you will also receive a subscription of the AIM Report, published twice a month out of Bethesda, MD. Further questions about press inquiries and other comments about media can be directed to:

Spencer Irvine

(202)-364-4401, ext 103

spencer.irvine@aim.org

Media Bias and Who's Talking About It

• The New York Times reported earlier this week that the United States was being accused of media bias by Jordanian’s who are speaking up about the three Muslim students, shot and killed at UNC Chapel Hill.

• In a magazine article from The Atlantic, the author dives deeper into explanations as to why political satire is liberally biased and the problems that Conservative comedians are having in competing with these already well-established shows, such as The Daily Show.

• According to The New Republic, for over 50 years, Conservatives have organized institutions, including Accuracy in Media (AIM), to investigate the accuracy of media whilst fighting the liberal bias that has consumed the media since the 1950’s.   

Clarifying: What is Media Bias?

The topic that I have chosen consists of two, equally important components. The first is media and according to the Oxford Dictionary, media is “the main means of communication (especially television, radio, newspapers, and the Internet) regarded collectively”. The second component of my topic is bias, which can be defined as a “prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair”.

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/media

Media can come in different kinds of forms or categories. For example, there is the standard television, radio, newspaper, and Internet. Social media (a fairly new means of communication), includes sources such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter etc. can also be categorized as media. All of these categories can have a bias opinion.

Media bias has an astounding affect on the American people, especially during important elections. According to a Washington Times article titled “Pernicious effects of media bias”, they believe, “that the media has such an influence is a strong claim but is backed up by the science.” The article goes on to state that media, politically, often has a liberal bias and because of this, American’s are affected on a lot of issues in the United States.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jul/26/pernicious-effects-of-media-bias/

There are numerous companies that are involved in media, almost all of which have a bias, to some degree. From Television Networks such as Fox News and NBC, to newspapers like The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times to social media networks like Twitter and Facebook.

National Public Radio, a radio station that focuses on delivering news, is one of the better known non-profit organizations relating to media. Although they are fairly unbiased politically, they have been accused of showing a liberal bias. However, according to Forbes Magazine, this may be true, but to a very small degree.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2011/03/22/science-settles-it-nprs-liberal-but-not-very/

MSNBC Caught Red-Handed

The Topic:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2013/03/18/pew-study-finds-msnbc-the-most-opinionated-cable-news-channel-by-far/

In an article posted by Forbes called, Pew Study Finds MSNBC the Most Opinionated Cable News Channel By Far, Jeff Bercovici and researchers at the Pew Research Center reveal interesting data regarding network coverage, in particular, that of MSNBC’s. After a study was conducted from the years 2007 to 2012, it was found that MSNBC was made up of 85% commentary and opinions with only 15% of reports being factual. There was a strong correlation with the amount of money the station spent on reporting: $240 million in 2012 compared to Fox News’ (with the highest expenditures) $820 million.

This article was found on Forbes, a website dedicated to updating the public on news in (but not limited to) business and finance. It is an extension of the world-renowned American magazine and is known for its reliable reporting. I believe I will find this source credible due to its lack of negative responses on factual information from its audience.

Jeff Bercovici, was a Staff Writer and then Senior Editor for Forbes Magazine, before becoming Bureau Chief at Inc. Magazine in San Francisco. He studied at Cornell University with focuses in Writing and Editing. Bercovici is an award-winning tech and media writer, therefore, allowing me to believe his credibility is justified. Click the links to view more on Jeff Bercovici:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbercovici

This article was published on March 18, 2013, so it is not terribly recent, however, the information collected in order for the article to be published was done over a period of time. Researchers conducted their study over a period of five years from 2007 to 2012, drawing conclusions from in-depth analysis.

The content of this article can be considered very accurate because Bercovici reported information found by researchers from the Pew Research Center. The Pew Research Center is a credible, “nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world”. For more information on the experts at the Pew Research Center click the link below:

http://www.pewresearch.org/

The author writes a very objective article, with a purpose of regurgitating research to the public. The entire article is founded on factual evidence, therefore, I couldn’t detect any bias, what-so-ever.

In his article, Pew Study Finds MSNBC the Most Opinionated Cable News Channel By Far, Jeff Bercovici successfully writes a credible piece on media bias, particularly in TV networks. The entirety of this piece could be used for research purposes, seeing as the factual data came from an actual study.