By Maria Kollyrou & Theoni Theodoropoulou

One of the most significant discussions in society is about the reliability of the media. We are inclined to believe that most of the times they present us with prejudiced coverage based on the belief of the journalist or the editor. Nonetheless, there are some special cases in which we can find unbiased reporting.

First and foremost, the majority of the media use a specific vocabulary to make things appear worse, bigger or funnier, so they influence the impression of the people. This type of presenting events is called diction. Another trick of the media is the falsification of the truth as the journalists tell lies, invent new facts or distort them with the intent to increasing the sales of newspapers and the numbers of viewers on TV and on the internet. Furthermore, a lot of journalists express their own opinion on the events and as a result they become prejudiced and not unbiased.

Additionally, they omit certain information and do not give a complete picture about an event. They also present trivial issues, such as gossip, and push aside crucial matters which are connected with our daily life. There is also noticed a lack of verification and frivolity on vital events, so that the people cannot be informed entirely.

Moreover, the journalists are often threatened or paid by companies or authorities to protect their interests. Last but not least, editors put the information they think most important in the first and the last paragraph. This “trick” is called placement and it deceives people.

However, we are supporters of the opinion that if we try, we can find unbiased reporting because there are some serious editors and journalists who are dedicated to their work and do not distort the truth.

Taking all the above into consideration, we firmly believe that we should be more conscious, aware and criticise everything that we read or watch on newspaper, the Internet and TV as we cannot trust the media and we do not know when they tell lies and when they do not.