Summarised by Centrist
NZME senior journalist Heather du Plessis-Allan argues that media bias isn’t what erodes trust. Rather it’s pretending the bias doesn’t exist.
Her critique is aimed at Jeff Bezos, who recently blocked The Washington Post from endorsing US Democrat candidate for president, Kamala Harris, causing a backlash among readers and staff.
Bezos argued endorsements increase bias perception, but du Plessis-Allan calls this “semi-plausible” and largely “BS.”
According to du Plessis-Allan, the real issue is that media bias shows through in how stories are reported, the angles taken, and even word choices. For instance, focusing on one politician’s gaffe over another’s signals bias, as does advocating for or against policies like a capital gains tax.
She points to WaPo’s blocked endorsement as self-censorship, comparing it to New Zealand media downplaying the reality of COVID vaccine risks.
“That stuff erodes trust,” she writes.
In her view, transparency about leanings—like an endorsement—is better for credibility. “If Bezos really wants to help with falling media trust, he should…just be honest. His paper prefers Kamala Harris,” she concludes.
