Bias Breakdown
Subscribed: 19Played: 386
Subscribe
Description
Most Americans don’t trust the media because of political biases that have seeped into today’s journalism. Join Straight Arrow News as we break down bias in some of the week’s biggest stories, dissecting how narratives shift based on a news outlet’s left or right political bias. Here, you'll find a balanced approach to presenting the facts—stripped of political opinion—so you can form your own views on issues that matter to you. Welcome to The Bias Breakdown with your host, Karah Rucker.
35 Episodes
Reverse
In Episode 34 of Bias Breakdown, we dive into how media bias shapes coverage of Governor Gavin Newsom’s new Trump-style social media strategy. From one-sided cable news panels that exclude opposing viewpoints to networks cherry-picking voices like Charlamagne tha God, Steve Bannon, and Joe Scarborough when convenient, we break down the tactics that steer public perception.
In episode 33 of Bias Breakdown, we examine how the Smithsonian review is covered through a partisan lens. Both left- and right-leaning outlets frame the story with negativity—either casting President Trump as authoritarian or portraying the Smithsonian as an institution steeped in bias. We break down how this illustrates negativity bias in the media, where narratives emphasize criticism over context, shaping audience perceptions before the facts are fully presented.
1In episode 32 of Bias Breakdown, we dive into how media slant shapes the coverage of crime statistics in Washington, D.C., following President Trump’s move to federalize the city’s police force. We unpack how different outlets highlight conflicting data to fit political narratives, and explore why understanding the full picture behind the numbers is key to spotting bias and staying informed.
In episode 31 of Bias Breakdown, we analyze how major media outlets are covering Texas’ latest redistricting fight — and where bias shows up in the headlines and framing. From The New York Times to The New York Post, we break down examples of viewpoint omission, subjective language, and sensationalism that shape how the story is told. This episode helps you spot the difference between information and influence.
In episode 30 of Bias Breakdown, we explore how media outlets on both sides of the aisle covered—or ignored—Tulsi Gabbard’s release of declassified Obama-era intelligence reports. The episode highlights how left- and right-leaning networks often offer only one perspective, omitting alternative viewpoints and shaping contrasting narratives. It also reveals how bias by omission influences which stories receive national attention. Ultimately, the episode uncovers a deeper battle over who controls the news cycle and the narrative, shaping what Americans see and hear.
In episode 29 of Bias Breakdown, the Epstein files are creating a divide within right-leaning media over how—or whether—to cover the story. Two of the top conservative networks are at odds, reflecting a broader split within the Republican Party over the Trump administration’s handling of the case. Tune in as we explore the differences, the divide, and the reasons behind the silence—while the nation waits for answers in this high-profile investigation.
He’s the progressive candidate shaking up New York City politics — and he’s getting attention from both sides of the aisle. Right-leaning outlets are quick to sound the alarm over Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral bid. But it’s the split inside left-leaning media — led by The New York Times — that’s catching many by surprise. In Episode 28 of Bias Breakdown, we analyze how Mamdani’s rise is revealing a fracture in left-leaning narratives — and what it says about the media’s role in shaping political momentum.
In Episode 27 of Bias Breakdown, media coverage of the interest rate debate reveals a sharp partisan divide. As the Federal Reserve signals it will likely hold rates steady later this month, President Trump continues to push for cuts. Left-leaning outlets blame Trump’s tariff policies, while right-leaning networks fault Fed Chair Jerome Powell — choosing sides in a debate where the economic data is shared, but the narrative is not.
In Episode 26 of Bias Breakdown, we examine how news outlets framed the U.S. airstrikes on Iran through a political lens. As conflicting intelligence reports emerged, media coverage split along partisan lines — amplifying whichever assessment aligned with their stance on the strikes. We break down the competing narratives, explore public opinion polling, and highlight what the coverage reveals about media bias in reporting high-stakes global events.
In episode 25 of Bias Breakdown, we unpack how the media is framing the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a ban on transgender medical treatments for minors. From the language used in headlines to the studies each side highlights, the coverage reveals a clear partisan split. We break down the selective word choice and bias shaping the narrative — and take a closer look at where most Americans really stand on the issue.
In episode 24 of Bias Breakdown, we dive into how the media labels demonstrations when they take a violent turn. Protest or riot — and why does that word choice matter? Left- and right-leaning media are fighting for control of the narrative after crowds took to the streets of Los Angeles to push back against arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. We break down the diverging coverage and examine how selective language choices reflect deeper political biases in the press.
In Episode 23 of Bias Breakdown, we dive into the latest legal battle between President Donald Trump and the media—this time involving the Associated Press and its revoked access to the White House over a terminology dispute. An appeals court ruled that the president has the authority to bar the AP from the Oval Office, and media reactions have split sharply along partisan lines. In today's episode, we analyze how left-leaning outlets frame the decision as an attack on press freedom, while right-leaning outlets view it as a justified move to hold biased media accountable.
Elon Musk has wrapped up his temporary role as a White House advisor — and the media firestorm surrounding his exit is in full swing. In episode 22 of Bias Breakdown, we break down how left-leaning outlets portray Musk and DOGE in a damning light, while right-leaning outlets praise his push for government cutbacks. From black eye metaphors and drug abuse allegations to claims of 300,000 deaths linked to DOGE budget cuts, we cut through the media noise to examine what Musk's role actually was — and what the media left out.
Former President Biden's announcement of stage 4 cancer coincided with a news cycle dominated by negative publicity — including the release of new books and leaked audio tapes putting his mental fitness in the spotlight. In episode 21 of Bias Breakdown, we dive into how the media are covering the story — with right-leaning outlets suggesting a strategic "cover-up," while left-leaning voices dismiss those claims as "conspiracy theories." Beyond the partisan noise, what do we actually know, and what remains unclear about his diagnosis? We examine how both sides of the media are grappling with serious questions about transparency and timing.
In this week's episode of Bias Breakdown, we examine the evolving media narratives surrounding Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman. Once shielded by left-leaning outlets following his stroke and recovery, Fetterman now faces growing criticism from those same sources. During the 2022 midterm elections, right-leaning media were critical of Fetterman's ability to serve in the Senate, but are now focusing their criticism on left-leaning coverage of the Democratic senator.
In Episode 20 of Bias Breakdown, we explore what prompted this reversal in media narratives and how shifting political ideology may be influencing how both sides of the media cover Fetterman.
In this week’s episode of Bias Breakdown, we analyze an immigration case dominating the news cycle. Two women from Honduras, who were in the country illegally, received deportation orders from ICE. On Friday, they were sent back to their country of origin—along with their U.S.-born children.Left-leaning outlets focus on due process concerns and claims that the children should not have been removed, while right-leaning outlets emphasize the mothers’ legal custody and their decision to take the children.In Episode 19 of Bias Breakdown, we examine how divided media coverage is shaping public perception, with outlets presenting the case as if arguing before a jury—each trying to persuade its audience through a political lens.
In this episode of Bias Breakdown, we explore the contentious case of Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, whose deportation to El Salvador and alleged MS-13 gang ties have sparked a national debate. Media outlets across the political spectrum have framed his story in starkly contrasting ways: left-leaning sources emphasize his role as a father from Maryland who deserves a chance to return to the U.S. for due process, while conservative outlets focus on his alleged gang affiliations and undocumented status to justify his deportation. As the legal questions surrounding his removal and potential return remain unresolved, the case could ultimately return to the Supreme Court for further clarification. In episode 18 of Bias Breakdown, we analyze how these dramatically different portrayals are shaping public perception.
Is Medicaid being gutted — or not touched at all? With Republicans pushing forward a sweeping federal budget plan backed by President Trump, one question is front and center: Is Medicaid on the chopping block?
In episode 17 of Bias Breakdown, we unpack what the budget blueprint actually says, what it leaves out, and how both parties are using different analyses to make their case. We delve into what’s fact, what’s assumption, and what’s still up in the air regarding budget cuts.
In episode 16 of Bias Breakdown, we explore the divided media coverage following President Trump’s tariff announcement. While right-leaning networks predict a market recovery and economic boom, left-leaning media warn of a looming recession. We break down the media’s spin on market volatility, the differing economic outlooks, and how political biases in news coverage can shape public perception over major economic events.
As Judge Brad Schimel and Judge Susan Crawford battled for the bench in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election, left-leaning and right-leaning outlets framed the race through drastically different lenses, turning a state judicial contest into a national political flashpoint.
In episode 15 of Bias Breakdown, we explore how left-leaning outlets honed in on Elon Musk’s financial backing of Judge Schimel, painting it as a billionaire’s attempt to buy the court. Meanwhile, right-leaning media spotlighted Democratic donors’ focus on flipping congressional seats, portraying Judge Crawford’s campaign as a partisan power grab.
Media narratives largely mirrored the interests of their aligned candidates, often omitting ethical concerns raised by the opposition. We break down the stark contrasts in coverage, revealing how each side shaped the election.
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
Riots. Definitely riots. Damn near insurrection.
great job guys