Why is there media bias?

Question

The premise of "reporting the news" is supposed to be that people want, to steal a line from an old television show, "just the facts". However, it is often difficult to determine the difference between "facts" and "opinions", especially since reporters, either network or print, may be held to certain standards based upon where they are choosing to report, and based upon what they choose to omit from their stories which, in many cases, is more important than what they choose to include in their stories.

So clearly, there is media bias. My question is not, "Does it exist?" My question is "Why does it exist?" What purpose is served by their being media bias?

Serious answers only, please.

Answer 1

As with most things, it all comes down to money and the fact that if human beings are involved, there will be corruption. Certain media outlets are owned by corporations or billionares that are willing to be bought to keep certain stories out of the news or at the very least, omit certain facts.

Just on a side note, read up on William Randolph Hearst. He's a classic example of a man in power that used his media outlets to ruin lives for his own personal reasons.

Answer 2

The mass media is made up of human beings who have their own weaknesses when choosing between the Golden Rule and the Rule of Gold. I'm certain that many in the media profession abide by the Golden Rule but their courage and conviction are draped by the few who prefer to look the other way.

Answer 3

Media bias is natural. All the more reason in this internet age to seek out at least 20 sources, before you have an opinion.

Answer 4

$eriou$ly, you don't know why there is media bia$..? C'mon now...get real....