PRESS: Beware bias traps

I personally believe in the need and the intent of the mainstream media to be factual. I consider the Coeur d’Alene Press to be a locally oriented mainstream media outlet. We may not agree on issues but generally the articles and opinions are factual. There is a concern that occurs with any mainstream media outlet which is perhaps an unintentional slant or bias in a headline or story. The Cd’A Press and other respectable outlets fall into this trap. Friday’s paper had such a situation to me.

The Kootenai County Republican Women held a Candidates forum. The Cd’A Press headline read “Candidates make their case to win votes.” Below that heading in much smaller print, the event sponsor was cited. Someone reading the headline and the article might think this forum was for all candidates, not just the Republicans. If the headline read “Republican Candidates...” it would have been more accurate.

Both the forum and sponsor provide excellent information to the public and I for one thank you for covering it.

PHIL WARD

Coeur d’Alene