1 | Television News (Domestic and Global)

Some stories dominate the news cycle while others never make it on air. So, who decides what counts as news and what quietly disappears? 

Television news not only reports reality, but curates it. Every segment that airs is the result of editorial choices: what to cover, how long to cover it, what visuals to incorporate, which guests to invite, and even which words to headline. Over time, these decisions begin to influence how we as consumers understand politics, power, and the world around us. And this is where bias enters––not always as propaganda, but often as emphasis, framing, and omission. 

When individuals think of bias, they often imagine slanted commentary or opinions weaseled into a piece. While this certainly happens, bias often shows up in subtler ways. Whether it's the omission of voices, the formulaic bending of the truth, or blurring certain contexts, each decision results in news that changes how the public views a certain story. So, when thinking about the news you consume, it's important to remember who owns what outlet. 

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According to Fiveable, political bias refers to "the tendency of individuals or media outlets to favor one political ideology or party over others, leading to a distorted presentation of information." Over time, this bias can promote a specific political agenda. Two networks can cover the same story, but leave audiences with vastly different understandings of what occurred. 

But how do certain cable news networks determine how they want to convey their stories, and where do they get their information? 

CNN

Cable News Network (CNN) positions itself as a centrist, neutral news outlet that emphasizes credibility, expert analysis, and balance. Established in 1980 as a division of Warner Bros. Discovery, the news outlet was one of the first television channels dedicated to twenty-four-hour coverage framed through both sides. With three live channels (CNN, CNN International, and CNN en Español), the brand reaches more individuals on television and online than any other cable news organization in the United States. Even though they strive for total neutrality, some viewers have started to believe that the network has taken on a slight left-leaning stance. 

Fox News

In contrast, Fox News (FNC) is more politically driven. While its coverage emphasizes cultural conflict, individual responsibility, and skepticism toward government institutions––especially when they're led by Democrats––the network presents itself as right-leaning. Established in 1996 as a subsidiary of Fox Corporation, the outlet has become one of the most-watched cable networks. But because Fox's editorial choices frequently elevate stories or omit key information to reinforce its audience's worldview, the network contextualizes stories to lead viewers toward a particular interpretation. 

MS NOW

MS NOW (formerly known as MSNBC) is another politically driven network. As a left-leaning outlet, it spotlights systemic inequality, abuses of power, and social injustices. Established in 1996 as a joint venture between NBC News and Microsoft, the outlet has become the second most-watched network. But over time, audiences have noticed it shift to primarily opinion-based programming, leaving viewers with a selectively critical picture of political power. 

What's interesting is that these news outlets often draw from the same material: news presses, interviews, official statements, wire reports, and on-the-ground reporting. But the divergence shows in what they choose to spotlight, highlighting how something as minor as the omission of a statement may influence how audiences interpret and digest information. One network may highlight the political implications of a story, another with its economic impact, and another with cultural resonance.

This selective storytelling has real consequences: when viewers consistently view the same news network, they may never encounter other key details that challenge their assumptions. But during the past several years, audiences have become increasingly aware of the bias permeating their news sources. And due to this fear of misinformation and disinformation, many individuals have become distrustful of, or downright refuse to use, these networks. 

Understanding the political bias present in television news is the first step in revealing the true story. By cross-referencing information between sources, recognizing where news outlets fall politically, and observing news from different outlets, audiences will learn more about modern events. Being an informed viewer means approaching coverage critically, remaining aware that every story on screen represents a choice.