Lou Dobbs and Immigration Media Reporting
Should Media Figures Entrench Themselves in Political Issues?
Sep 6, 2009
CNN is reputed to be an independent and popular news source with influential media figures. CNN journalist Lou Dobbs is no exception. With so many viewers and such a high potential impact on society, it is so important for media figures of his caliber to be unbiased as much as possible, to present a full spectrum of viewpoints so as not to sway their viewers one way or another without first learning about how dynamic and multi-faceted each issue is.
It is true that purely unbiased material is an ideal in media reporting, but it a standard to strive for that would only benefit and truly educate the public. Especially when a topic is covered almost on a nightly basis, such as the case of Lou Dobbs and immigration — full-story media reporting allows people to make decisions for themselves, without the negative effects of media bias.
An Example of Bias in the Media
Lou Dobbs often discusses immigration during his television program, Lou Dobbs Tonight. As a respected, award-winning journalist, one would expect media reporting of an unbiased and expansive nature — reports on both the positive and negative effects of immigration, the root causes of immigration, such as the conditions in the countries that people are emigrating from as well as conditions in America, and, perhaps a variety of immigrant stories and interviews.
There seems instead to be a wealth of information filtered through one man's viewpoint, as Lou Dobbs focuses on immigration from one angle, while at the same time flirting with anti-immigration groups such as the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). Examples of Lou Dobbs' media reporting that could be construed as biased against not only immigration, but also the Hispanic community, include a report criticizing President Obama for talking about education to the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In this segment this influential media figure seems distraught at the fact that the President is speaking to Hispanic people about an issue that effects everyone — education. To him it is a political move to win the favor of the American Latino population; he does not see it as a positive act of including a minority group that is traditionally either ignored by the media, or labeled as a problem of society.
For example, when Lou Dobbs does a report on the expansion of health insurance for children, from a negative angle. He complains that children of immigrants could receive this health care, from the view that this would be a bad thing. What about the positive side of the story — that all children may have a chance at health and well-being, no matter what their financial or racial background?
Because of the news that Lou Dobbs has presented on immigration, FAIR has invited this media figure to appear at their "Hold Their Feet to the Fire" rally. He has also been honored by this group with their first "People's Voice Award." As one of the most popular media figures of our time, it is wonderful for Lou Dobbs to be so appreciated by some groups, but, at the same time he has raised concerns by others, from media watchdogs to pro-immigration groups. Lou Dobbs has even been accused of making inaccurate statements on immigration.
The Effects of Media Bias
Everyone is of course entitled to their opinion and viewpoint, and every individual, including influential media figures, is going to naturally express some of their own beliefs no matter how hard they try not to. The problem comes when media figures stop worrying about media bias and the possible effects on society.
Many people are able to only digest a small amount of news information every day; if what they watch, read, or hear is biased, they run the risk of being misinformed. Without a full picture, people are left to draw conclusions from the limited media reporting that they are exposed to. Also, bias in the media can lead to more bias in the media. Other media figures will also feel that they have the right to use media reporting to express their personal viewpoint, possibly even an opposing viewpoint may be picked up as a cause by another media figure to create balance.
To preserve the sanctity of journalism and the news, media figures will benefit the public by trying to present more than one side of an issue.
Sources:
Frisch, Karl. "Lou Dobbs and his hate groupies." (Media Matters, September 1, 2009).
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