COMM 229: Free media and the Tiger Woods scandal

In the latest chapter we read for my COMM 229 class, it discussed media debates, concentrating on free media. The topic of free media was referring to is media free? It centered on if we get unbiased information or biased. It is apparent that the information we receive for our news outlets is generally biased, leaning towards a particular side, whether it generally be conservative or liberal. We do not get to view news outlets that are unbiased anymore; almost all news sources that I have encountered show some type of bias. It has come to this because, usually each news source must choose which side they favor, but not make it obvious. They then must put their own spin on it, to give their station or website it's own separate identity. I also wanted to focus on a particular example in the news today that is being swarmed.

The whole Tiger Woods situation pretty much baffles me. Nobody really knows what is going on, but we kind of get an idea that Woods probably cheated on his wife. It just amazes me on how the media is covering the situation. They are swarming like flys! I mean, it's kind of no surprise; they hear that one of the greatest golfers in the world has been recently involved in a car accident, and a possible domestic dispute with his wife, so the media is definitely going to be swarming. He is for one, who has really never been involved in any type of media scandal, so what a perfect way to get right into it. I kind of think that the media should leave him and family alone, but they won't do it because they want to get ratings boosted, and it's a really hot topic right now, so why aren't they going to put their two cents in, right? The interesting thing, is what bias they show towards the situation and how they spin it to the media (free media? You betcha!) It's not exactly free, because if it were, there would be no bias to it. I also think it's interesting that after one alleged woman has come out and said she had an affair with Woods, obviously other women have come out and said they have too, just to gain themselves some fame. It's typical, like in any other situation that you can think of. Think about it...