One fun thing I do is bring up Fox and CNN side by side.

 

It's quite revealing.

 

It's a real exercise to look at:

1. What's their top story

2. What are the other stories they deem important (how do the stories under the headlines fall)

3. How are those stories pre-framed: what language is used and what presumptions are made (even in the title)

 

The difference is quite startling.

 

It's why I don't rely on either for "news."

 

I tend to put it all together and see what sorts out, and do follow up research if it's something that piques my interest.

 

If it's a cheerleader or attack piece, those speak for themselves.  More style than substance typically in both cases.

 

And in all cases, always question what was left out.  Most lies are lies of exclusion/omission.  Spin has become an art form, where nearly anything can be framed in a good light.  Or the opposite, if that's the intended effect.

 

The youth of today don't remember a media that did an honest job.  It's quite a disservice.  It used to be respectable and respected.  Now, many in the media don't even respect themselves the way they behave.  What we have today is certainly not the way things used to be, there was no side taken.  There was only presentation of what is the news, without it coming off as an editorial - which is what it's all turned to everywhere.

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