One of the most
common forms of bias in regulatory stories occurs when reporters
quote from more credible sources on the pro-regulatory side than on
the anti-regulatory side.
This was the case in most
of the stories mentioned to the right. In the report by Edie Magnus,
for instance, three pro-regulatory sources were quoted, including
representatives of the Coalition on Smoking or Health and Citizens
for a Tobacco-Free Society. On the anti-regulatory side, Magnus
quoted only a tobacco industry representative.
But there are critics of
the EPA and opponents of increased regulation, such as Michael
Fumento and Jacob Sullum, who don’t have a financial interest in the
outcome. Such disinterested sources should be interviewed as well.
