Is it truly possible to have a non-biased media?

My own view is that it isn't possible to be unbiased but some sources have higher journalistic standards and integrity. All media and all language carries values and assumptions within it, often unacknowledged and sometimes at a subconscious level. However, not all media is the same. Some tell outright lies and some insinuate things which the readership are intended to take as fact. If I don't trust a source then I read through to find the quotes and the verified details.

I have confirmation bias too and everyone does, though I think it is a healthy thing if you can be critical of friends and allies from time to time.

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RodionRomanovitch · 56-60, M

I suppose the only way to guarantee impartiality is to have it written into the charter under which it operates. That is , to my knowledge, only the case for public service broadcasters who depend for their funding on taxpayers money. (Something the US sadly lacks.)
All other outlets operate under an editorial policy which obviously reflects the ownership so no matter their claims to impartiality they will always exercise a certain bias.

jackjjackson · 61-69, M

@RodionRomanovitch

In my area the major newspaper has endorsed a district attorney candidate who is of the opposite party that the newspaper virtually always endorses. As a result the readership is in a snit.

In this example the newspaper actually exercised independence looked at qualifications above politics and the readers are upset that the newspaper did not exhibit its usual expected bias. Go figure.

room101 · 51-55, M

@RodionRomanovitch In the UK, we have two organisations which are charged with monitoring the media industry. The first is The Office of Communications (OFCOM) which is an official organisation that is mandated to regulate all aspects of broadcast media and the communications industry. The second is The Press Complaints Commission (PCC) which looks at all types of print media. It is not official and is more self-regulatory. However, it does retain independence from the industry itself.

On top of that, we have the various EU laws and regulations which cover everything from equal representation to human rights violations.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@RodionRomanovitch @room101 Our broadcast media is heavily regulated and our print media is lightly regulated and it shows in the content. I believe that American has it the other way around.

jackjjackson · 61-69, M

@room101

The existence of these organizations (one non binding with no. Authority) and anything actually being accomplished are two different animals.

Surely you’re not suggesting that bias and deceitful bias are controlled by that powerless alphabet soup are your?

jackjjackson · 61-69, M

@Burnley123 how does this massive regulation influence the content?

room101 · 51-55, M

@Burnley123 I've tried looking up what regulatory bodies there are in America. Other than basic censorship laws, I've found next to nothing.

And therein "lies" the problem.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@jackjjackson American TV media isn't regulated and has clear partisan bias.

jackjjackson · 61-69, M

@Burnley123 @room101

Must have been a search made of Swiss chess. How about the FCC for starters.

What might that bias be Burnsie in your,opinion?