Scrolling through social media or opening a news app these days, it’s hard not to notice how divided the media landscape has become. Instead of giving audiences the facts and letting them form their own opinions, some outlets shape stories to fit political narratives. The result? Misleading coverage, a confused public and a lot less trust in journalism than there should be.
One major way this happens is through selective coverage. Outlets sometimes emphasize, or completely ignore, details depending on which political side they lean toward. For example, in the Minneapolis school shooting, some left-leaning outlets framed the attack as a random act of violence instead of reporting on the shooter’s beliefs, personal identification and writings that suggested specific motives. While evidence such as shell casings with messages and the shooter’s personal notes pointed to targeted hostility, many headlines avoided directly addressing this (The most maddening media coverage of the Minnesota church shooting). On the other hand, right-leaning media can spin stories in the opposite direction. Coverage of abortion legislation often exaggerates political alarm, sometimes leaving out context that could give readers a more accurate understanding (Right-wing media spread falsehoods about Minnesota’s abortion law after Trump’s poor debate performance). These selective narratives don’t just inform. They also shape what audiences believe is true.
Another issue is rushed reporting. In today’s race to “be first,” accuracy often takes a backseat. Take the October 2023 explosion at Gaza’s al-Ahli Arab Hospital. Initial reports claimed that Israel bombed the hospital, killing hundreds. Major outlets ran with the story before the facts were confirmed. Later investigations revealed that the explosion actually occurred in the hospital’s parking lot and was caused by a misfired rocket from Palestinian Islamic Jihad, not an Israeli airstrike. Corrections were issued, but they were buried, and the original story had already influenced global opinion and sparked protests (Unpacking the Gaza hospital blast and the misinformation that followed).
When news is both partisan and rushed, the consequences can be serious. Once an initial narrative sticks, it’s hard, if not impossible, to undo; even after corrections. Public trust in journalism erodes, polarization deepens and misinformation can even impact protests, policy decisions and international relations.
Modern media has the potential to keep us informed, connected and aware. But that only works if news outlets prioritize accuracy over narrative. Readers deserve more than headlines designed to confirm biases. We need journalism that informs, not divides.
