CHART: Read the methodology

The Media Bias Chart in Sunday’s edition is an interesting concept but may have inherent flaws. One should read the developer’s comments on her methodology and biases before using. See: https://bit.ly/2X7ypQ9

Ms. Otero’s effort is laudable. I suspect that her intent was to promote thought on this issue, as she says, “The fact that the chart is shareable does not necessarily make it TRUE.” Further, “… it provides a baseline for a discussion about media sources, which are inherently difficult to classify.”

She defines her personal biases, which is helpful and rare in this day and age. Ms. Otero states that much of her analysis is subjective. Specifically, “In creating the chart, I had to make (mostly) subjective decisions regarding four particular aspects …” She made corrections to adjust for her bias, but in the opinion of some, these may not have been sufficient.

So, the chart is not an absolute, and should not be taken as the ultimate truth on the matter. It is interesting. Hopefully it will get us all thinking on this issue and using our critical faculties to more objectively assess “news” sources. Maybe Ms. Otero’s efforts will encourage someone to apply scientific rather than legal principles to this analysis, something she addresses.

Meantime, if anyone should cite this chart in an effort to prove a news source is (or is not) “middle of the road,” I’ll be more effectively able to deal with their assertions for having read the above. You should read it too.

DON BARRON

Worley