Managing the Media: SpinSpotter Targets Bias
Can software spot bias and inaccuracies in news stories? Todd Herman is determined to prove this is possible. The former radio talk-show host/Microsoft executive unveils a beta version of SpinSpotter today at a technology showcase in San Diego.
SpinSpotter is designed to help users identify media bias with precision and objectivity. The downloadable toolbar application, Spinoculars, scans Web pages and spots potential indicators of bias. The program’s methodology for spin and bias are derived from the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics as well as input from an advisory board of writers and journalists.
From the company press release: “SpinSpotter considers the press’ mission profound: to inform the public and keep power in check. But there is a major difference between working to inform and writing to persuade,” said Todd Herman, founder and chief product officer of SpinSpotter. “SpinSpotter makes news reporting transparent while empowering readers online to see, share, or edit spin — and ultimately avoid it. With Spinoculars installed, readers have an editorial seat at the table of every news page online.”
The Web site will follow the Wikipedia model and rely heavily on its users for input. The company will employ a small group of journalism students to serve as referees to ensure users comply with SpinSpotter rules. Interestingly enough, Herman is a self-avowed conservative, but CEO John Atcheson calls himself progressive.
Even noted gossip magazine, USWeekly, received negative feedback from readers for their depiction of Sarah Palin, as noted in this article by the New York Times. SpinSpotter may provide a useful (and timely) service, especially as the political arena becomes more polarized leading into November’s presidential election.
“Take back the truth,” SpinSpotter states in a promotional video. The goal of SpinSpotters is to create transparency in news reporting. That being said, are we truly targeting bias or merely attacking subjectivity?
