Whether it’s a website, blog, TV channel, or radio, news outlets depend on users so it’s understandable why there is bias in their reporting. While on any given day, misinformation swirls about, because so much is at stake, it’s currently at an all-time high. Yet, we need accurate information to make wise choices for ourselves and those we care for. We need to know specifics about what’s being cut, by how much, when etc. particularly when it comes to things like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.
It’s important to find sources of news that fact check and provide as unbiased a news perspective as much as possible-a more centrist viewpoint that seeks a balanced approach minus a political leaning. It’s important to read beyond the headlines-which are created to grab your attention- and understand the finer points. The devil is in the details.
Below are news outlets that carry a more centrist viewpoint:
• Reuters
• BBC
• The Christian Science Monitor
Use the Media Bias Chart below for a better understanding of the various news outlets and how they are perceived to be in their political leanings. It doesn’t mean you don’t read them, but recognize that their leanings can be reflected in how they report the news. Also note that reporting can be different from the Op/Ed sections, where columnists write about their opinions on a topic.
Fact Checking is something you should do before posting anything on social media. Interestingly, fact checker sites have generally agreed in their assessments of whether news claims are true or false, according to researchers from the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST).
Snopes has been around for quite a while and it debunks urban legends and a lot of the crazy stuff that makes its way to Facebook and Tic Tock. Other sites to consider include:
For science and health care, check Science Feedback which reviews climate-related and health and medical claims.
And because this is a blog for those affected by chronic/life threatening conditions, it’s always good to check claims being made about health related issues. Check out the Federal Trade Commissions site Common Health Scams.
The third Saturday of every month is the medical literature review on this blog.
Since many living with chronic conditions are on Medicare, Medicaid or both, here’s an update you should be paying attention to. The US House of Representatives recently passed a budget resolution (H Con Res 14, 119th Congress) 217-215 vote that includes deep cuts to the House and Commerce Committee-which oversees health care spending in programs such as Medicaid and Medicare). They will need to cut about $880 billion and many believe they can’t do this without impacting one or both of these programs. This bill now has to be approved by the Senate.
No comments:
Post a Comment