Question

1. In April of 2024, President Biden signed a law that would ban Chinese-owned TikTok unless it is sold within a year to a non-Chinese owned company: If not sold within a year, the law would make it illegal for web-hosting services to support TikTok, and it would force Google and Apple to remove TikTok from app stores — rendering the app unusable with time. (NPR) Senator Markey said concerns about digital security, the mental health of young people, and data privacy should be addressed with comprehensive legislation encompassing the entire tech industry, not just TikTok. (NPR) Congress passed this bill through both houses. The President signed the bill into law. TikTok’s next option would be to appeal to the Supreme Court. How is this an example of checks and balances? 2. The media is seen as the “4th branch” of government because they can act as a check on the federal government’s power or they can influence federal policies. However, the media is often accused of bias. How could the media influence Congress concerning the TikTok legislation? 3. How can you tell if a news source is biased? 4. What steps can you take to make sure you’re getting a balanced view of a news story?

Answer 1

1. The situation with TikTok and the law signed by President Biden serves as an example of checks and balances in several ways. First, the legislative branch (Congress) passed a law that places constraints on TikTok, a private company owned by a foreign entity. This action demonstrates Congress's authority to regulate commerce and address national security concerns. The executive branch (the President) then signed the bill into law, showcasing a collaborative function of governance. Additionally, TikTok's option to appeal to the Supreme Court illustrates the role of the judicial branch in adjudicating disputes, including those involving legislative or executive actions. This triangle of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—works together to ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful, allowing for thorough oversight in matters that may impact national interests.

2. The media can influence Congress regarding the TikTok legislation in several ways. If media coverage highlights national security concerns, youth mental health issues, and data privacy violations associated with TikTok, it may galvanize public opinion and pressure lawmakers to take action. Favorable or unfavorable coverage of the legislation could shape the narrative around its necessity and effectiveness. If reporters expose potential conflicts of interest or raise ethical questions, this could lead to increased scrutiny and a reassessment of the legislation. Moreover, social media platforms can amplify the discussions around TikTok, encouraging grassroots movements that demand action from Congress and potentially affecting the legislative process.

3. To determine if a news source is biased, you can look for several indicators:

   • Language: Pay attention to emotionally charged language or sensationalism, which can imply bias.
   • Source Variety: Consider whether the coverage draws from a variety of viewpoints or if it seems to consistently favor one perspective.
   • Framing: Examine how stories are framed; biased reporting may emphasize certain facts while downplaying others.
   • Ownership: Investigate the ownership of the media outlet; corporate or political affiliations may signal a potential bias.
   • Fact-Checking: Review the accuracy of claims made and whether the outlet corrects errors promptly.
   • Expert Opinions: Look for the inclusion of expert voices; a lack of diverse expert perspectives can suggest bias.

4. To ensure you're getting a balanced view of a news story, consider these steps:

   • Diversify Sources: Read articles from various news outlets that span the political spectrum to gain different perspectives.
   • Check for Bias: Use bias-checking tools, such as media bias charts, to assess the political leanings of different outlets.
   • Look for Primary Sources: Where possible, refer to primary sources or original research instead of relying solely on interpretations from journalists.
   • Cross-Reference Information: Verify facts and figures with multiple sources to confirm their accuracy and consistency.
   • Be Mindful of Tone and Language: Pay attention to the language used and whether it appears loaded or neutral.
   • Engage with Different Formats: Seek out a mix of formats such as articles, podcasts, and documentaries to get a fuller picture of complex topics.

By being proactive and critical in your media consumption, you can develop a more nuanced understanding of news stories.