I think the mainstream media shows a liberal bias, particularly all the television networks save Fox News Network.

Newspapers vary, I'm sure from city to city. Our newspaper in Phoenix use to be very conservative when it was owned by the Pulliam family. It has become more moderate in recent years since it is no longer controlled by them. The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, I believe lean to the liberal side. Wallstreet Journal leans more to the right.

Frankly, I have no problem with newspapers endorsing candidates. The candidates they endorse, in most instances, broadcast their political bias to the readers in most cases and the reader can decide whether he/she agrees with that philosophy. Their editorials express the newspaper's political leanings, and I think that's fine too.

I don't think the question of columnists versus reporters should be confused. Columnists write opinions, and their opinions are flavored by their political philosophies, and the reader knows that. Personally, I like to read a newspaper that prints a good balance between the two. I don't agree with the liberal columnists, in most instances, but I enjoy reading them.

I think some very good observations have been expressed in this thread. Sarah, I, like you, miss the days when television reporters only reported the news and didn't attempt to sway public opinion by flavoring their reports one way or the other. In addition to the newscasters you mentioned, there was Douglas Edwards, William L. Shirer, Eric Severeid, and the Dean of all newscasters, Edward R. Murrow. I think many of those newscasters, including Murrow, were liberals, but they didn't allow their political leanings to flavor their news reporting.

Thanks, Whistle Stop for posting this thread. I've enjoyed reading it.

DougR