StudentNewsDaily.com

Documentaries Skeptical of Global Warming Not Shown on American TV

Wednesday's Biased Item - April 25, 2007

Directions

• If possible, print the article before reading.
• As you read, circle or underline the names of people, organizations and important facts.
• Use your own words to answer the questions in complete sentences.

Excerpt

Read the excerpt below from Newsbusters.org posted by Noel Sheppard on April 10, 2007.   Then scroll down and read "Explanation of Media Bias." 

If the American media choose not to air a documentary challenging current beliefs on global warming, it would be bias by story selection.
(Read the definition of bias by story selection under "Types of Media Bias" at the bottom of this page. )

QUESTIONS: 
1.  Do you think that the American media will air this documentary?  Explain your answer.
2.  Why should the media give equal air-time to those scientists who challenge the theory of Global Warming?  Explain your answer.
(Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the answer.)

In 2004, Lars Mortensen TV-Produktion of Denmark created a documentary about global warming myths entitled “Doomsday Called Off.”

In it, scientists from around the world shared real data and statistics refuting claims by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concerning man’s role in warming the planet (must-see video in five parts available here, here, here, here, and here...).

Much like the recent British documentary “The Great Global Warming Swindle,” it is almost [certain] that this spectacular program will never be aired by American television.

However, CBC in Canada did air it in November 2005. Here’s how it was described at that network’s website (emphasis added):

In this eye-opening documentary viewers will discover how the most respected researchers from all over the world explode the doom and gloom of global warming.

Humans stand accused of having set off a global climate catastrophe by increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The prophecy of doom is clear and media pass on the message uncritically.

Now serious criticism has arisen from a number of heavyweight independent scientists. They argue that most of the climatic change we have seen is due to natural variations.

They also state that if CO 2 is to play a role at all -it will be minuscule and not catastrophic!

Any questions as to why this documentary, or any skeptical of anthropogenic global warming, won’t be shown any time soon on American television?

Go to NewsBusters.org for the original posting.

Types of Media Bias

Explanation of Media Bias

 

 

 

 

ANSWERS:
1.  OPINION QUESTION. Answers vary.
2.  Every issue has two sides.  It is the media's responsibility to inform viewers of all of the facts by providing balanced reports or to present reports on both sides of an issue in a timely fashion.  The documentary challenging global warming is creditable and therefore should be shown along with the many reports that allege global warming is caused by human activities.   The media's  reponsibility is to inform the public - to provide news consumers with informaton on both sides of an issue so that people can form educated opinions.