Media Bias Alive and Well

Written by Daniel White

Monday, 22 December 2008 06:12

If an airline gives a discounted rate to a traveler who has lost a loved one, they're said to be understanding of loss. If a car wash offers free washes to the local police department struggling for cash, they're said to be good members of the community. If an office supply store gives a discount to teachers purchasing supplies for their class, they're said to be supportive of education.

But if a gun store offers discounts to citizens living in an area struck by a crime wave, they're "hoping to capitalize on fears." Media bias is alive and well it seems, at least with The Morning Call.

Hyatt Guns, a Charlotte, NC gun shop, has offered to North Whitehall/Schnecksville, PA area residents concerned about the recent crime wave a 15 percent discount on new firearms purchases. And that doesn't sit well with the Call.

Hyatt posted a statement on their website:

"We have similar crime problems in Charlotte, but it's sickening to see this affecting small town America," said Justin Anderson, director of online sales for HyattGunStore.com. "We really want to do whatever we can to help Schnecksville's residents protect themselves."

The Call feels this "banks on residents' fears" and claims "since police arrested a burglary suspect on Nov. 12, only three more break-ins and one attempt have been reported." Local new website WFMZ paints a more grim picture, reporting 20 break-ins in a one month time frame.

We've all seen the cost of plywood, bottled water, gasoline, etc. jacked up by unscrupulous retailers in the aftermath of natural disasters, and we are rightfully critical. But when a retailer providing a product in high demand actually lowers their prices to better serve their customers in time of need, that's being a responsible member of the community.

Letting a pre-existing bias slant reporting to fit your gun control agenda is poor journalism, and the Call should be ashamed of themselves. They won't be, but they should be.