Skewed: A Critical Thinker's Guide To Media Bias By Larry Atkins

Claims of “fake news” among mainstream media and independent sources are something that is getting the attention of everyone in the nation. This is causing a lot of people to talk about what they believe is actually going on with the media. In an article published on January 19, 2017, Bob Garfield addressed Trump on his claims about “fake news” in an aggressive manner and defending his career as a reputable journalist very strongly in the process. On February 27, 2017, Larry Atkins published an article responding to the claims Trump have been making about “fake news” and the media with a calmer approach. Garfield and Atkins both have their own way of appealing to their audience, Atkins article demonstrated a stronger and more logical approach

Atkins stressing the importance of credibility by starting off his article establishing his own credibility: “I am a Journalism professor” and later on in his article states he has written a book addressing “fake news” and the problems at hand: “In my book ‘Skewed: A Critical Thinker's Guide to Media Bias,’ (Prometheus Books, 2016), I discuss media bias, advocacy journalism, and the rise of fake news.” By stating this Adkins in a sense kills two birds with one stone since that his part of his message is that he wants the average American to just simply look at the credibility of a source before they believe the information that they are reading from that source. In addition, telling the readers that he is a journalism professor and that he has written a book from the start of his article allows to reader to gain a sense of credibility and trust in Adkins early on instead of them thinking about it while the reader is reading the article. So, this way the reader can really grasp and understand Adkins message. Later on, in his article Adkins states how important it truly is to look at the credibility of a source when dealing with news especially when it’s about politics who are notorious for the use of fake information and slander of opponents: “Now, more than ever, people need to pay attention to source credibility and whether a media outlet has a specific agenda.” Adkins makes it a purpose of his to inform his reader on what it takes to be a journalist and the work that is done to make sure an article is reliable and correct. Adkins informs his readers that “Like other professions, Journalism has a Code of Ethics to adhere to” and that “journalists are expected to seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable and transparent” when