Is Media Biased?

🎧 Podcast Episode 176 with Mo Amir

In today’s fast-evolving media landscape, one question looms large: Is the media biased?

With the rise of both legacy and independent media, the debate over media trustworthiness and impartiality has become more relevant than ever.

I had the privilege of discussing this topic with Mo Amir, a political commentator and host of This Is VanColor. Mo has experience on both sides of the media spectrum, offering a unique perspective on the subject.

Mo Amir’s Journey: From Podcast to TV Host

Our conversation explored the evolution of Mo's journey from podcasting to mainstream television, the challenges of balancing fair reporting with personal beliefs, and the inherent biases in media—both independent and legacy. Mo shared that his interest in broadcasting and political commentary developed organically. Initially, he started a podcast out of curiosity and a love for local issues, but it soon took on a life of its own, eventually leading him to television with This Is VanColor, which now airs on Check TV.

Media Bias: Legacy vs. Independent Media

As we delved into his experiences, Mo reflected on the nature of media bias. He acknowledged that mainstream or legacy media tends to lean left, often due to the backgrounds and cultural leanings of journalists. However, he pointed out that independent media often swings the opposite way, capturing conservative and right-leaning audiences. This divide in media perspectives is not necessarily due to a hidden agenda but rather the natural gravitation of individuals towards platforms that align with their worldview.

Fairness vs. Objectivity

Interestingly, Mo stressed that while biases exist, his goal as a host is to approach each interview with fairness rather than complete neutrality. “Objectivity is hard,” he said. “It’s difficult to completely separate yourself from your beliefs.” Instead of striving for an unattainable objectivity, Mo values a fair approach where all sides are given space to express their views without undue antagonism. This reflects his belief that listeners and viewers deserve transparency and authenticity in reporting, rather than a forced sense of neutrality.

Political Interviews & Media Accountability

One area where this dynamic becomes particularly relevant is political interviews. Mo described how preparing for interviews with political figures requires a different approach compared to other guests. Politicians, he explained, are often held to a higher standard of accountability. As a host, he prepares thoroughly to challenge inconsistencies in their statements, ensuring that he holds them accountable without trying to “score points” or sensationalize the exchange.

The Trust Gap in Media

We also discussed the trust gap between media outlets and the public. In recent years, legacy media has been criticized for perceived partisanship, with accusations of favoring certain political leanings. Meanwhile, independent media—unconstrained by corporate oversight—often faces fewer restrictions and can tackle topics more freely. However, this freedom also comes with the risk of spreading misinformation, as independent platforms may lack the same editorial rigor as mainstream outlets.

Media's Role in Democracy

This trust gap is amplified during election cycles, where media scrutiny is at its highest. Mo and I agreed that media hosts, whether in legacy or independent media, have a responsibility to their audience to ask meaningful questions without imposing personal biases. This responsibility extends to building an informed democracy by humanizing politicians and understanding the complexity of their roles. Through our respective platforms, both Mo and I aim to give our audience a genuine look at political figures, beyond the talking points.

Seeking Fairness Over Objectivity

Reflecting on our conversation, I realized that the question of media bias is not as clear-cut as it may seem. While there are undeniably biases in both legacy and independent media, these biases stem from a complex array of factors, including cultural background, political environment, and audience expectations. Instead of viewing bias as an obstacle, we might consider it a lens through which different truths are explored, providing a richer, albeit sometimes conflicting, landscape of information.

So, is the media biased? The answer is both yes and no. Bias is inevitable, shaped by individual perspectives and societal influences. But as Mo and I concluded, the key lies in transparency, fairness, and the responsibility of media hosts to facilitate open, respectful conversations. By prioritizing these values, media—whether legacy or independent—can continue to play a vital role in our democracy, giving people the tools to form their own informed opinions.

As the host of Bigger Than Me, I’ve come to understand that media bias doesn’t have to be a detriment. Instead, it can inspire us to question, explore, and ultimately seek out the truth in our own ways.