Media Bias: Always Obvious, But Now Proven

Have you ever noticed a significant difference in the way the press behaves towards Republican candidates compared to Democrats? While they seem to hinder Republicans every step of the way, they are downright friendly towards the Dems. This stark bias is a direct result of the fact that only 7% of journalists classify themselves as Republicans. 

According to two journalism professors at Indiana University, 28% of journalists vote Democrats and only 7% vote Republican. Both of these numbers are dwindling, while the number of journalists who identify as Independent is growing.  

This disparity has a huge impact on reporting. Consider the following example: The media is atwitter with assertions that Ben Carson lied about his past. They present each new “fact” as a “gotcha!” moment. Compare this to the way the press treats Hillary Clinton. As Hugh Hewitt explains: “…the reluctant coverage of everything Hillary is reported by every network but Fox News with an eye roll and an exasperated sigh, as if to say, ‘ugh, the stupid Republicans are trying another stupid attack against virtuous Hillary.’”

According to a Washington Times article published on Sunday, GOP candidates agree they face a “hostile audience when they deal with the press.” The bias is even worse when it comes to journalists who cover national news. Over 90% of Washington journalists are Democrats. 

“There’s something in the DNA of liberals that makes them want to go into jobs like the arts, journalism, and academia more so than conservatives,” said Tim Groseclose, author of Left Turn: How Liberal Media Bias Distorts the American Mind. “Even if you’re just trying to maximize profits by offering an alternative point of view, it’s hard to find conservative reporters. So it’s natural the media is more liberal.” 

This bias is receiving considerable attention after last month’s CNBC Republican presidential debate, during which moderators were slammed for how they handled questioning. As a result, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus has suspended future NBC debates and GOP officials are negotiating new rules for future affairs. 

“The Democrats have the ultimate super PAC – it is called the mainstream media,” said Senator and presidential hopeful Marco Rubio.