Understanding Media Spin
A Guide
Spin.
We all know it exists. The newsreaders, commentators and pundits all attempt to persuade others to accept their own point of view on events. This is what has become known as “media spin”. Some are obvious in their efforts, some are quite subtle. The knowledgeable listener is ever alert to this spinning so below is offered a humble guide to help you in your watchfulness.
“according to industry experts” “industry leaders acknowledge” — displaced former executives
“it’s widely thought” “it’s common knowledge” — constant repetition in the media has folks thinking it is the truth
“experts generally agree that” — some previously unknown college professors
“according to official sources” — two gals from the secretarial pool
“some in Congress say” — a couple of volunteer campaign workers
“internationally it is agreed that” — two East African diplomats told me
“you may not believe this but” — I don’t believe it but, I want you to
“it is believed that” — I think
“it is generally believed that” — a couple of others think so, too
“a new idea going around suggests that” — this is our latest disinformation scam
“it’s being said that” “people are saying” — we planted the seed and now it is spreading
“one observer has said” — a self-absorbed elitist said
“pundits claim” — two self-absorbed elitists said
“insiders say” — a disgruntled employee told me
“business gurus are telling us that” — overheard on the golf course
“according to The New York Times“ — the only paper biased enough to run the story
