Detecting Media Bias

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? Was the reporting of the news story clear and accurate, with sufficient depth and breadth?

The reporting in this news article was very clear. It used plain language that is easily understandable by an average reader. Many statistics and figures are cited and are linked to their source so the reader can follow up and verify if they are indeed used accurately. The depth and breadth are sufficient. The author has not leveled claims without backing them up. Additionally, both sides of the issue are reported with both positive and negative aspects to the current economy being discussed.

? Were some facts reported and other facts ignored?

The author mentions retail sales, gas prices, the economy of Europe, unemployment numbers, the stock market and the housing market. In a news article of this brevity it is inevitable that some information is left out. However, it does not seem that the author has purposefully left out some information while including only favorable information.

? Did the story consider alternative perspectives and worldviews?

Well, the story is mostly about the economy of the United States so is quite ethnocentric in that regard. Some mention was made of how international events (such as last year?s tsunami in Japan) might affect our economy. Future tension or possible a military involvement with Iran was also mentioned. One angle that was not really evaluated was the possibility of cutting spending and debt and how that might impact the economy even without added consumption.

? Were there any ...