online news media outlet bias in realtime

[corplinx]

Okay, big news. Iraqis signed a constitution meaning the US has brought republicanism to the mideast. Let's see what the mainstream TV news outlets have as their top story and the language they use.

ABCNEWS.COM
Lip Service: talking to your teen about safe sex

FOXNEWS.COM
'Historic Moment', Iraq Constitution coverage

CBSNEWS.COM
Iraq's interim leaders took a historic step toward sovereignty by signing an interim constitution. But there were lingering objections to some language, and the shape of an interim government is still unclear.

MSNBC
Iraq Constitution, "Big Step"

NYT
Unanimous Approval Comes After Shiite Leaders Drop Objections (corplinx notes: way to downplay a historic moment)

[hgc]

We don't actually know if this is a historic moment. Time will tell. If they fail to form a government (that controls the country) under this constitution, and things fall apart upon the departure of U.S. forces, then this day won't look very important afterall.

[Wolrab]

I haven't seen any news today, so exactly what do you tell your children about safe sex? How about safe sex with Iraqis? Does that involve a razor?:)

[DavidJames]

We don't actually know if this is a historic moment I agree, the FOX report shows their bias. Good catch corps

[corplinx]

Originally posted by DavidJames
I agree, the FOX report shows their bias. Good catch corps

Sort of. Their main headline doesn't have room for expansion like CBS does. CBS probably has the most balanced headline of the bunch.

MSNBC and NYT seem to be downplaying the event.

ABCNEWS ran a story about teaching your kids about having safe sex.

[corplinx]

Originally posted by hgc
We don't actually know if this is a historic moment.

It could be historic as a historic success or a historic flop. However, I have no doubt that the moment is historic. Historic does not mean it will be remembered for good things or that it will be lasting.

[zenith-nadir]

Reuters never fails...;)

Sistani: Iraq Interim Constitution Is 'Obstacle'

...and...

Iraq Council Signs Constitution; Top Cleric Unhappy

[corplinx]

FOXNEWS has changed theirs to:
"Iraq Takes Step Forwards"

[Nasarius]

Originally posted by corplinx
ABCNEWS ran a story about teaching your kids about having safe sex.

Meh, it's more fun than worrying about politics anyway :)

CNN.com: Iraqi Governing Council signs interim constitution
Calling it a new beginning for Iraq, Iraqi Governing Council members today signed an interim constitution, laying the groundwork for future elections, a permanent constitution and eventually a return to self-rule.

[Skeptic]

Doesn't look like awful bias here either way... all headlines (except the "Safe sex" one) say essentially the same thing: the constitution was signed, but it is unclear if it will be adhered to.

"Historical moment" it might be, but it's too early to tell.

[Cleon]

It's not even a permanent constitution--it's an "interim" constitution, to be replaced later.

Kinda reminds me of "preliminary planning pre-meeting meetings" I had at my last job. I doubt that it can be considered "historic." When a real, permanent constitution is signed by freely elected representatives, THEN I'd consider it historic. (Especially if it lasts longer than six months.)

Incidentally, corplinx, for your collection: CNN.com's top story is "Iraqi Governing Council signs interim constitution." Is that biased in some way too? :)


Edited to add "Freely" to "elected." Elections are only free if there isn't some guy with a big gun, whether he's local or foreign, "encouraging" you to vote a certain way.

[corplinx]

Originally posted by Cleon

Incidentally, corplinx, for your collection: CNN.com's top story is "Iraqi Governing Council signs interim constitution." Is that biased in some way too? :)

I forgot CNN! Doesn't seem biased to me. Every news agency has some sort of bias, its just fun to compare the coverage and see what is exposed.

[pgwenthold]

Originally posted by corplinx
Okay, big news. Iraqis signed a constitution meaning the US has brought republicanism to the mideast. Let's see what the mainstream TV news outlets have as their top story and the language they use.

ABCNEWS.COM
Lip Service: talking to your teen about safe sex

FOXNEWS.COM
'Historic Moment', Iraq Constitution coverage

CBSNEWS.COM
Iraq's interim leaders took a historic step toward sovereignty by signing an interim constitution. But there were lingering objections to some language, and the shape of an interim government is still unclear.

MSNBC
Iraq Constitution, "Big Step"

NYT
Unanimous Approval Comes After Shiite Leaders Drop Objections (corplinx notes: way to downplay a historic moment)

Quick quiz: which of these outlets advertises itself as an "unbiased source" with the motto "We report, you decide." Now, which of the above topics consists of "We report, you decide."

The best two are CBS and the NY Times.

Am I not the one who should decide whether it is a "historic moment" or not? Why does Fox think it has to tell me that?

[Charlie Monoxide]

This thread totally underwhelms me. Network news is just filler stuff between the commercials.

Charlie (turn off the TV and read a book) Monoxide

[a_unique_person]

Originally posted by corplinx


It could be historic as a historic success or a historic flop. However, I have no doubt that the moment is historic. Historic does not mean it will be remembered for good things or that it will be lasting.

It could be as historic as the creation of South Vietnam.

[peptoabysmal]

Originally posted by a_unique_person


It could be as historic as the creation of South Vietnam.

The cost of a Mid East war: $87 billion dollars. The opportunity to disparage the United States: priceless.