At recent community events across Indianapolis, dozens of residents voiced a common frustration: they perceive local news as biased and, as a result, they tune out. A 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that 58% of Americans share this sentiment, eroding confidence in the media.
Why the Perception of Bias Matters
When people cannot agree on a set of facts, it becomes difficult for neighborhoods to address shared problems. Experts say media habits shape these perceptions, and consumers can take concrete steps to weed out untrustworthy outlets.
Three Common Ways Bias Is Seen
- Story selection: Some feel outlets favor topics that clash with their own beliefs.
- Tone and sources: Others notice a slanted tone or a preference for commentators with a particular viewpoint.
- Fact vs. opinion: Many struggle to tell straight‑reporting from opinion pieces, especially on 24‑hour cable news.
“Journalists often fail to label content clearly, leaving audiences unsure of the goal,” said Joy Mayer, founder of Trusting News, a nonprofit that helps journalists build credibility.
Practical Steps for Savvy News Consumption
- Choose your format deliberately. Decide whether you prefer listening to a morning news radio show, watching a local TV broadcast, or scrolling trusted headlines on a phone app. Consistency helps you filter out noise.
- Go to the original source. When a story circulates on social media, locate the outlet that first reported it. For local events—like a storm or a city council meeting—seek reporters on the ground.
- Install reliable news apps. Many Indianapolis outlets offer free apps, including WFYI, NPR (set to WFYI), Axios Indy, and the IndyStar. National sources such as AP, Reuters, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post are also accessible, often via a public‑library card.
- Prioritize local coverage. National outlets tend to reflect the values of large coastal cities and blend reporting with analysis. Focusing on Indianapolis news reduces exposure to partisan commentary and highlights issues that directly affect families.
- Evaluate the reporter’s experience. Look for journalists with a track record of on‑the‑ground reporting and transparent sourcing. When a story cites multiple viewpoints and provides clear context, it’s more likely to be reliable.
Vanessa Otero, CEO of Ad Fontes Media, created a media‑bias chart to help families navigate the polarized landscape that emerged after the 2016 election. She advises choosing outlets that lean slightly rather than those at extreme ends of the spectrum.
“It’s a fool’s errand to claim any outlet is completely unbiased,” said Alex Mahadevan of the Poynter Institute’s MediaWise program. “Everyone brings their own perspective to reporting, so the goal is to be discerning, not to find a perfect source.”
By applying these suggestions, Indianapolis readers can save time, reduce frustration, and become more confident news consumers—strengthening families and communities with accurate information.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
