Bias Testing: NYT Coverage of US Elections
I woke up to the front page of the NYT today, which reads more like a DNC newsletter. As an objective outsider to the U.S. elections, I find this both strange and deeply problematic for a reputable newspaper. So, I decided to use 3rd Eye, our custom-built AI platform, to run a bias test on the NYT's coverage of the U.S. elections by scraping its news articles and social media posts from last 1 month. The results are fascinating.
Here are the top 5 narratives that the NYT has been pushing over the last week:
Support for Democratic Candidates: The NYT frequently highlights the achievements and positive aspects of Democratic candidates, particularly Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Criticism of Donald Trump: The coverage often focuses on Trump's legal issues, controversial statements, and actions, which are portrayed negatively.
Promotion of Democratic Policies: There is an emphasis on policies related to social justice, climate change, and healthcare reforms.
Highlighting Democratic Unity: The NYT covers events and statements that portray the Democratic Party as united and strong.
Focus on Election Integrity: Articles and reports discuss the importance of fair elections and criticize any actions perceived as undermining democracy.
And here’s how the NYT is covering Kamala Harris in an overwhelmingly positive way:
Empowerment and Leadership: Harris is often portrayed as a strong leader and a symbol of progress for women and minorities. Percentage: 45%
Policy Advocacy: Coverage focuses on her policy proposals, particularly those related to social justice and economic reforms. Percentage: 35%
Public Support and Endorsements: The NYT highlights endorsements from prominent figures and public support for Harris. Percentage: 20%
In contrast, the coverage of Trump is heavily skewed towards negative issues:
Legal Troubles and Controversies: There are frequent reports on Trump's legal issues and controversies. Percentage: 50%
Criticism of Policies: Negative coverage centers on his policies and actions, particularly those related to foreign policy and social issues. Percentage: 30%
Public and Political Opposition: The NYT emphasizes opposition from political figures and public protests against Trump. Percentage: 20%
It’s interesting to note that the loudest voices against ‘polarization,’ ‘disinformation,’ and ‘election manipulation’ are often the most active contributors to these very issues. Our activism, often times, hide the reality of our actions. This then begs a question: what is the future of news in a decentralisation information world where the supposed guardians of news have become the lead players in fake news.