Episodes

  • Was Dr. Phil's ICE ride-along a spectacle or effective? Bias Breakdown

    Was Dr. Phil's ICE ride-along a spectacle or effective? Bias Breakdown
    Jan 28 2025
    President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration is in full swing, with ICE conducting daily operations in major cities and resulting in the arrests of hundreds of migrants living in the country illegally. As part of one of those ICE raids in Chicago, Dr. Phil participated in a ride-along with ICE agents and Border Czar Tom Homan. The presence of the talk show host has divided media coverage, with narratives that align with news outlets' political biases. In episode 7 of Bias Breakdown, we examine how left-leaning outlets criticize Dr. Phil’s involvement, labeling it a “spectacle,” while right-leaning outlets tout it as an “effective” portrayal of ICE’s success in the field. Tune in as we unpack these contrasting narratives and explore how media bias shapes public perception of immigration enforcement.
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    8 mins
  • Musk Accused of 'Nazi Salute' at Trump Inaugural Rally: Bias Breakdown

    Musk Accused of 'Nazi Salute' at Trump Inaugural Rally: Bias Breakdown
    Jan 21 2025
    Following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Elon Musk delivered an enthusiastic speech, at one point making an arm gesture that has drawn different interpretations, fueling division among left- and right-leaning media outlets. In episode 6 of Bias Breakdown, we analyze how left-leaning outlets focused on interpretations of Musk’s gesture as a "Nazi salute," while right-leaning outlets accuse the left of politicizing the moment. We examine how this single event was framed differently by each side, highlighting the polarized media landscape and how narratives can diverge based on political bias.
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    9 mins
  • Bias Breakdown: Was LA Wildfire Response Failed Policy or Politicized?

    Bias Breakdown: Was LA Wildfire Response Failed Policy or Politicized?
    Jan 14 2025
    Wildfires recently ravaged Los Angeles, claiming dozens of lives and destroying thousands of homes. One week later, the city and state’s response is under intense scrutiny. Local leaders face criticism for their absence when the fires broke out, the lack of water resources for firefighters, and budget cuts to the fire department. While the story is widely covered, left- and right-leaning media outlets are framing the criticism differently. In episode five of Bias Breakdown, we explore how right-leaning news outlets blame the fire response on democratic policies while left-leaning news outlets argue President-elect Donald Trump and his allies are politicizing it.
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    11 mins
  • How Jan. 6 reflections differ among left and right media: Bias Breakdown

    How Jan. 6 reflections differ among left and right media: Bias Breakdown
    Jan 14 2025
    January 6th has become one of the most politically charged events in recent history, with starkly different perspectives from the left and right on what truly happened. Four years after supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in protest of the 2020 election results, the fallout continues to divide the nation—and the media. In episode four of Bias Breakdown, we explore how news outlets from both sides present varying narratives and sets of facts about the events of January 6, revealing how the story shifts depending on the political bias of the source.
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    8 mins
  • How Jimmy Carter's Death Was Politicized in Headlines: Bias Breakdown

    How Jimmy Carter's Death Was Politicized in Headlines: Bias Breakdown
    Dec 31 2024
    In episode three of Bias Breakdown, we examine how the death of former President Jimmy Carter is being politicized across different news outlets, depending on their political leanings. Right-leaning news outlets are focusing on criticism of Biden’s condolences while left-leaning outlets highlight criticism of Trump’s rhetoric toward Carter over the years. We explore how both sides use opposing contexts and sources to support competing narratives.
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    8 mins
  • Media reacts to Trump’s lawsuit over flawed Iowa poll: Bias Breakdown

    Media reacts to Trump’s lawsuit over flawed Iowa poll: Bias Breakdown
    Dec 30 2024
    In our debut episode, we compare how news outlets with left- and right-wing political biases are reporting on Trump's lawsuit over a controversial Iowa poll. Was it a case of election interference or the start of a revenge campaign? The answer varies widely depending on the outlet's political bias. Welcome to Bias Breakdown.
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    11 mins
  • How media covered NYC subway murder suspect's immigration status: Bias Breakdown

    How media covered NYC subway murder suspect's immigration status: Bias Breakdown
    Dec 24 2024
    In episode two of Bias Breakdown, we examine how the immigration status of Sebastian Zapeta, the man charged with setting a woman on fire on a New York City subway, is being reported differently across media outlets depending on their political bias. Right-leaning outlets are prominently identifying him as an illegal immigrant, following confirmation from ICE that he is in the country illegally. Meanwhile, left-leaning outlets are largely omitting his immigration status from their headlines.
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    11 mins
  • Bias Breakdown Trailer

    Bias Breakdown Trailer
    Dec 13 2024
    Join Straight Arrow News for the debut of our Bias Breakdown podcast. Here, you'll find an alternative to traditional storytelling as we examine how news stories are presented differently based on a news outlet’s left- or right-leaning political bias. Tune in every Tuesday with your host, Karah Rucker, for a Bias Breakdown of the current events that matter most to you.
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    1 min