People are exposed to many different media outlets, whether it is newspapers, magazines, radio, television or Internet. You may think that by reading one newspaper article or viewing a news report you are well-informed and receiving factual information. However, one medium can create a completely different discourse to another on the same topic. There are many strategies employed by the media that invite particular readings of a text. One of these strategies includes the use of bias language. Presenting only one side of a story creates bias. It positions readers to only believe one viewpoint. Many people do not realise that these strategies have been put in place and therefore have the impression that the news is `real' and factual rather than constructed.

The article `Steve Irwin puts his son at risk' found in the Courier-Mail, is a good example of how the media has used bias to...