Bias by selection of sources - including more sources that support one view over another. This bias can also be seen when a reporter uses such phrases as "experts believe", "observers say," or "most people believe". Experts in news stories are like expert witnesses in trials. If you know whether the defense or the prosecution called a particular expert witness to the stand, you know which way the witness will testify. And when a news story only presents one side, it is obviously the side the reporter supports. (Journalists often go looking for quotes to fit their favorite argument into a news story.) To find bias by use of experts or sources, stay alert to the affiliations and political perspective of those quoted as experts or authorities in news stories. Not all stories will include experts, but in those that do, make sure about an equal number of conservatives and liberals are quoted. If a story quotes non-experts, such as those portrayed as average citizens, check to be sure that about an equal number come from both sides of the issue in question.
Did this story meet and introduce a numbers of views to balance each other or is one sided? 
http://www.globalnational.com/PROTESTING+PROROGUING/2432825/story.html
Michael D. Behiels is the University Research Chair: Canadian Federalism and Constitutional Studies, in the Department of History at the University of Ottawa.
It seems Stephen Harper, our not-so-benign dictator, can't stand Canada's constitutional democracy. He is fed up with Parliament's restrictions on the almost unlimited power of his office and his executive.Michael D. Behiels
Is the Canadian prime minister above the law? Will the governor general support the PM's lawbreaking?
Mr. Harper has now broken that solemn promise, one embodied in law.
I think Harper’s education in Calgary warped his understanding of the parliamentary system in Canada.MDB
Prof. Behiels said that in a case where one party has a plurality of the seats, for example, the Liberals winning a few more seats than the Tories, Mr. Martin should be able to continue as prime minister as long as he can assure the Governor-General that he has the confidence of the House.
“So when you're in a plurality situation, it's really the leader or leaders who can assure the House or the Governor-General that they can maintain the government and stability. Stability is really the important thing.”
If Mr. Martin does decide to govern, he'll need the support of the NDP and Bloc, Prof. Behiels agreed.
He added: “I doubt the NDP will have enough seats to hold the balance of power. That's why [Bloc Leader Gilles] Duceppe is going to be in the driver's seat. That's why it's going to be extremely dangerous this time. The country is going to be held up to hostage [to the separatists]” he said.
The viewer can decide if the MSM is being balanced or cherry picking their experts in stories.
1 comment:
Calling those with BA's in political "scientists" is even worse then calling garbage man sanitation "engineers". It's an insult to real scientists -- at least in my view.
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