Ink & Insight: My Journalism Journey

Blog

  • 7 Types of Media Bias.

    As future journalists, one of our most important jobs is to recognize bias—especially when it’s subtle. Media bias isn’t always obvious. Sometimes, it shows up in how something is reported, what gets reported, or who is given a voice. Understanding the types of media bias is your first step toward reporting with fairness and clarity.

    Here are 7 common types of media bias to watch for:

    1. Bias by Omission
    Leaving out important facts or perspectives can create a skewed version of the truth. What’s not said can be just as powerful as what is.

    2. Bias by Selection of Sources
    Quoting experts or witnesses who all lean in one direction can shape the narrative. Balanced sourcing helps ensure balanced reporting.

    3. Bias by Story Selection
    Covering some stories while ignoring others can reflect a certain agenda. Ask yourself: Why is this story getting coverage—and what’s missing?

    4. Bias by Placement
    Where a story appears (front page vs. buried inside) can signal its importance. The same goes for which voices are prioritized within the article.

    5. Bias by Labeling
    Using loaded or politically charged labels (“far-right,” “radical,” “woke,” etc.) can influence how readers perceive a person or issue—even subtly.

    6. Bias by Spin
    This happens when reporters use language that makes one side look better or worse without presenting outright falsehoods. Word choice matters.

    7. Bias by Tone
    The tone of an article—sarcastic, sympathetic, outraged—can shift how readers interpret the facts. Tone should reflect professionalism, not persuasion.

  • Media Bias: What It Is & Why It Matters.

    In an age of 24/7 news cycles and endless social media scrolls, it’s more important than ever to ask: Is the news I’m reading truly objective? This question cuts to the heart of media bias—a concept every aspiring journalist needs to understand early on.

    What Is Media Bias?
    Media bias occurs when news outlets present stories in a way that reflects a particular political, ideological, or cultural perspective. It can be as obvious as skewed headlines or as subtle as the choice of sources, images, or which stories get told at all.

    Why Does It Matter?
    Journalism’s core mission is to inform the public with facts—not filtered opinions. When bias creeps into reporting, it can shape public perception unfairly, erode trust in media, and, at its worst, spread misinformation. For new journalists, learning to spot bias—and avoid it—is a key part of becoming a credible storyteller.

    How Can You Avoid It?
    Start by checking your sources. Are they balanced? Are you giving all sides of a story fair representation? Challenge your own assumptions. Read widely. And most importantly, ask yourself: Am I reporting the truth, or my version of it?

    In a divided media landscape, practicing ethical, bias-aware journalism is more than good practice—it’s a responsibility.

  • The Journalism Code

    As I continue my journey as a journalism student, I’ve been diving into the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, and it’s becoming clear just how essential these four core principles are to the craft of journalism. Here’s a breakdown of what each principle means:

    Seek Truth and Report It means journalists should strive to be accurate, fair, and honest. This involves verifying facts, providing context, and representing diverse perspectives in every story.

    Minimize Harm reminds us that the people we report on are human beings, not just subjects. Journalists should show compassion, especially when dealing with sensitive topics, and avoid causing unnecessary harm.

    Act Independently emphasizes the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest. Journalists must remain free from outside influence so that their reporting remains unbiased and credible.

    Be Accountable and Transparent encourages journalists to take responsibility for their work. This means correcting mistakes, being open about decision-making, and holding themselves accountable to the public.

    Learning these principles will help you understand the deeper purpose of journalism — it’s not just about telling stories, but about doing so with integrity and care. These values are something you should aim to carry with you into every assignment, interview, and article you create.

  • The Basics of Media Ethics

    As a journalism student, learning about the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics has been eye-opening and inspiring. These four core principles — Seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable and transparent — are more than just guidelines; they’re the foundation of trustworthy journalism. Understanding the responsibility that comes with reporting the truth has made me realize how powerful and influential a journalist’s role can be. I’m especially struck by the balance between being truthful and minimizing harm — it’s not just about getting the story first but getting it right and handling it with care. These ethics will guide you, not only in the classroom, but also in every piece you write, every source you interview, and every decision you make as you work toward becoming a responsible and credible journalist.