Bias Breakdown
Most Americans don’t trust the media because of political biases that have seeped into today’s journalism. Join Straight Arrow News as we break down bias in some of the week’s biggest stories, dissecting how narratives shift based on a news outlet’s left or right political bias. Here, you'll find a balanced approach to presenting the facts—stripped of political opinion—so you can form your own views on issues that matter to you. Welcome to The Bias Breakdown with your host, Karah Rucker.
Episodes
August 5, 2025 • 13 mins
In episode 31 of Bias Breakdown, we analyze how major media outlets are covering Texas’ latest redistricting fight — and where bias shows up in the headlines and framing. From The New York Times to The New York Post, we break down examples of viewpoint omission, subjective language, and sensationalism that shape how the story is told. This episode helps you spot the difference between information and influence.
Mark as Played
July 29, 2025 • 12 mins
In episode 30 of Bias Breakdown, we explore how media outlets on both sides of the aisle covered—or ignored—Tulsi Gabbard’s release of declassified Obama-era intelligence reports. The episode highlights how left- and right-leaning networks often offer only one perspective, omitting alternative viewpoints and shaping contrasting narratives. It also reveals how bias by omission influences which stories receive national attention. Ult...
Mark as Played
July 22, 2025 • 13 mins
In episode 29 of Bias Breakdown, the Epstein files are creating a divide within right-leaning media over how—or whether—to cover the story. Two of the top conservative networks are at odds, reflecting a broader split within the Republican Party over the Trump administration’s handling of the case. Tune in as we explore the differences, the divide, and the reasons behind the silence—while the nation waits for answers in this high-pr...
Mark as Played
July 15, 2025 • 9 mins
He’s the progressive candidate shaking up New York City politics — and he’s getting attention from both sides of the aisle. Right-leaning outlets are quick to sound the alarm over Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral bid. But it’s the split inside left-leaning media — led by The New York Times — that’s catching many by surprise. In Episode 28 of Bias Breakdown, we analyze how Mamdani’s rise is revealing a fracture in left-leaning narratives — ...
Mark as Played
July 8, 2025 • 12 mins
In Episode 27 of Bias Breakdown, media coverage of the interest rate debate reveals a sharp partisan divide. As the Federal Reserve signals it will likely hold rates steady later this month, President Trump continues to push for cuts. Left-leaning outlets blame Trump’s tariff policies, while right-leaning networks fault Fed Chair Jerome Powell — choosing sides in a debate where the economic data is shared, but the narrative is not.
Mark as Played
July 1, 2025 • 9 mins
In Episode 26 of Bias Breakdown, we examine how news outlets framed the U.S. airstrikes on Iran through a political lens. As conflicting intelligence reports emerged, media coverage split along partisan lines — amplifying whichever assessment aligned with their stance on the strikes. We break down the competing narratives, explore public opinion polling, and highlight what the coverage reveals about media bias in reporting high-sta...
Mark as Played
June 24, 2025 • 9 mins
In episode 25 of Bias Breakdown, we unpack how the media is framing the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a ban on transgender medical treatments for minors. From the language used in headlines to the studies each side highlights, the coverage reveals a clear partisan split. We break down the selective word choice and bias shaping the narrative — and take a closer look at where most Americans really stand on the issue.
Mark as Played
June 17, 2025 • 12 mins
In episode 24 of Bias Breakdown, we dive into how the media labels demonstrations when they take a violent turn. Protest or riot — and why does that word choice matter? Left- and right-leaning media are fighting for control of the narrative after crowds took to the streets of Los Angeles to push back against arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. We break down the diverging coverage and examine how selective language ...
Mark as Played
June 10, 2025 • 8 mins
In Episode 23 of Bias Breakdown, we dive into the latest legal battle between President Donald Trump and the media—this time involving the Associated Press and its revoked access to the White House over a terminology dispute. An appeals court ruled that the president has the authority to bar the AP from the Oval Office, and media reactions have split sharply along partisan lines. In today's episode, we analyze how left-leaning outl...
Mark as Played
June 3, 2025 • 10 mins
Elon Musk has wrapped up his temporary role as a White House advisor — and the media firestorm surrounding his exit is in full swing. In episode 22 of Bias Breakdown, we break down how left-leaning outlets portray Musk and DOGE in a damning light, while right-leaning outlets praise his push for government cutbacks. From black eye metaphors and drug abuse allegations to claims of 300,000 deaths linked to DOGE budget cuts, we cut thr...
Mark as Played
May 20, 2025 • 12 mins
Former President Biden's announcement of stage 4 cancer coincided with a news cycle dominated by negative publicity — including the release of new books and leaked audio tapes putting his mental fitness in the spotlight. In episode 21 of Bias Breakdown, we dive into how the media are covering the story — with right-leaning outlets suggesting a strategic "cover-up," while left-leaning voices dismiss those claims as "conspiracy theor...
Mark as Played
May 13, 2025 • 15 mins
In this week's episode of Bias Breakdown, we examine the evolving media narratives surrounding Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman. Once shielded by left-leaning outlets following his stroke and recovery, Fetterman now faces growing criticism from those same sources. During the 2022 midterm elections, right-leaning media were critical of Fetterman's ability to serve in the Senate, but are now focusing their criticism on left-leaning c...
Mark as Played
April 29, 2025 • 13 mins
In this week’s episode of Bias Breakdown, we analyze an immigration case dominating the news cycle. Two women from Honduras, who were in the country illegally, received deportation orders from ICE. On Friday, they were sent back to their country of origin—along with their U.S.-born children.Left-leaning outlets focus on due process concerns and claims that the children should not have been removed, while right-leaning outlets empha...
Mark as Played
April 22, 2025 • 20 mins
In this episode of Bias Breakdown, we explore the contentious case of Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, whose deportation to El Salvador and alleged MS-13 gang ties have sparked a national debate. Media outlets across the political spectrum have framed his story in starkly contrasting ways: left-leaning sources emphasize his role as a father from Maryland who deserves a chance to return to the U.S. for due process, while conservative outlets f...
Mark as Played
April 15, 2025 • 11 mins
Is Medicaid being gutted — or not touched at all? With Republicans pushing forward a sweeping federal budget plan backed by President Trump, one question is front and center: Is Medicaid on the chopping block?
In episode 17 of Bias Breakdown, we unpack what the budget blueprint actually says, what it leaves out, and how both parties are using different analyses to make their case. We delve into what’s fact, what’s assumption, and w...
Mark as Played
April 8, 2025 • 12 mins
In episode 16 of Bias Breakdown, we explore the divided media coverage following President Trump’s tariff announcement. While right-leaning networks predict a market recovery and economic boom, left-leaning media warn of a looming recession. We break down the media’s spin on market volatility, the differing economic outlooks, and how political biases in news coverage can shape public perception over major economic events.
Mark as Played
April 1, 2025 • 13 mins
As Judge Brad Schimel and Judge Susan Crawford battled for the bench in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election, left-leaning and right-leaning outlets framed the race through drastically different lenses, turning a state judicial contest into a national political flashpoint.
In episode 15 of Bias Breakdown, we explore how left-leaning outlets honed in on Elon Musk’s financial backing of Judge Schimel, painting it as a billionaire’s att...
Mark as Played
March 25, 2025 • 13 mins
How did the same set of deportation flights produce such drastically different headlines? In this episode, we break down the legal battle over the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act—and the media’s role in shaping the narrative surrounding a judge’s ruling to halt the deportations. Left-leaning outlets have framed the flights as a violation of judicial authority, while right-leaning sources argue that the administr...
Mark as Played
March 19, 2025 • 14 mins
President Donald Trump has questioned former President Joe Biden’s use of an autopen to sign official documents and pardons. The Heritage Foundation sparked the debate, claiming Biden’s signatures on multiple documents appear identical, raising doubts about their authenticity. In episode 13 of Bias Breakdown, we'll analyze the media narratives, with right-leaning outlets focusing on concerns over Biden’s mental acuity and possible ...
Mark as Played
March 11, 2025 • 17 mins
In this week’s episode of Bias Breakdown, we explore the conflicting media narratives surrounding the alleged feud between Elon Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a closed-door cabinet meeting, as reported by The New York Times. Left-leaning outlets highlight the report’s allegations as chaos and dysfunction within the Trump Administration, while right-leaning outlets dismissed the report as part of a larger attempt by ...
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.