PRESS GETS THUMBS DOWN ON FERGUSON COVERAGE – And for good reason.  Americans are critical of the role of the media in covering the situation in Ferguson.  From the Daily Signal: 

Most Americans say that things would be different in Ferguson, Mo., if the racial roles had been reversed. According to a Rasmussen Poll released today, many believe the media’s coverage of the incident would differ if a black police officer had shot a white teenager.

A majority, 54 percent, agree the media would have reported the death of Michael Brown differently according to the color of his skin. Regardless of race—white, black and other minority adults—most believe the shooting would garner less media attention.

As things stand now, however, only about 1 in 3 Americans approve of the media’s coverage of the incident.

Regardless of media dissatisfaction, 57 percent of blacks believe the police officer involved should be found guilty of murder. The majority of white and other minority Americans do not agree.

Allegations of systemic police racism aren’t widely accepted. Sixty-one percent of Americans say police are not racist as opposed to 14 percent who say they are.

A mere 34 percent believe race relations are at a favorable state in the nation today.

COMMENT:  What the story doesn't point out is the number of murders each week, especially of African-Americans, that get virtually no attention at all.  Americans are aware of that, especially when the Chicago carnage is reported every weekend.  The Missouri case has become politicized.  It's noted that Al Sharpton, a grossly irresponsible racial agitator, will deliver the eulogy at Michael Brown's funeral, which will inflame things even more.  (I would have much preferred a local minister to do it.  There are wonderful black clergymen trying to calm things in Ferguson.) 

Some in the press have already convicted the police officer involved in the shooting.  I think that is the primary reason why the press gets such low marks. 

There is nothing new here.  The press tilts liberal, and, especially on racial matters, the finger is on the scale.

August 20, 2014