Bias Breakdown (Video)

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.

Listen on:

  • Podbean App

Episodes

Tuesday Jun 10, 2025

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 outlets frame the decision as an attack on press freedom, while right-leaning outlets view it as a justified move to hold biased media accountable.

Tuesday Jun 03, 2025

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 through the media noise to examine what Musk's role actually was — and what the media left out.

Tuesday May 20, 2025

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 theories." Beyond the partisan noise, what do we actually know, and what remains unclear about his diagnosis? We examine how both sides of the media are grappling with serious questions about transparency and timing.

Tuesday May 13, 2025

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 coverage of the Democratic senator.
In Episode 20 of Bias Breakdown, we explore what prompted this reversal in media narratives and how shifting political ideology may be influencing how both sides of the media cover Fetterman.

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025

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 emphasize the mothers’ legal custody and their decision to take the children.In Episode 19 of Bias Breakdown, we examine how divided media coverage is shaping public perception, with outlets presenting the case as if arguing before a jury—each trying to persuade its audience through a political lens.

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025

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 focus on his alleged gang affiliations and undocumented status to justify his deportation. As the legal questions surrounding his removal and potential return remain unresolved, the case could ultimately return to the Supreme Court for further clarification. In episode 18 of Bias Breakdown, we analyze how these dramatically different portrayals are shaping public perception.

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025

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 what’s still up in the air regarding budget cuts.

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025

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.

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025

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 attempt to buy the court. Meanwhile, right-leaning media spotlighted Democratic donors’ focus on flipping congressional seats, portraying Judge Crawford’s campaign as a partisan power grab.
Media narratives largely mirrored the interests of their aligned candidates, often omitting ethical concerns raised by the opposition. We break down the stark contrasts in coverage, revealing how each side shaped the election.

Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.

Version: 20241125