Bias

IAIN DALE IS AWAY - SHANE GREER IS STANDING IN

A little while ago a ‘guide’ to 9-11 was published on the Newsround site. The ‘guide’ in question was a little less than objective; in fact it looks like the author was trying to raise some kind of bar for biased writing:

Why did they do it?

The way America has got involved in conflicts in regions like the Middle East has made some people very angry, including a group called al-Qaeda - who are widely thought to have been behind the attacks.

In the past, al-Qaeda leaders have declared a holy war - called a jihad - against the US. As part of this jihad, al-Qaeda members believe attacking US targets is something they should do.

When the attacks happened in 2001, there were a number of US troops in a country called Saudi Arabia, and the leader of al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden, said he wanted them to leave.

Subsequent to publication a number of complaints were received (I wonder why) and the offending page was taken down. However it has since returned – although now has a new photo (which I guess must make it all better).

Bias is one thing, but the above is a step beyond. Of course what makes it worse is that Newsround’s audience is children, who are as one would expect are in the process of forming their opinions about the world.

Perhaps Newsround should rethink the ‘guide’…

Hat-tip: Biased BBC