How the News Media Shapes the Narrative and Causes Static Confusion

I’ve never had an interest in using my voice for anything other than creating art through sharing fun and interesting stories. Though I consider myself a writer of fiction first, I realize most of what I write has an underlying message. For me, my focus is entertaining while educating—but never in a pushy or didactic tone. Now and then, I do write nonfiction when I feel moved to do so---mostly in the form of essays. Like many others, this week, I've been moved to share something more, hoping to cut through the media static.

Years ago, the tagline beneath my signature said, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Until this week, I had forgotten about that. When I began writing again, I started using the tagline, "There are no coincidences in life, only incidences where God remains anonymous. However, this week, to me, it is obvious God is front and center, and those who refuse to believe that will continue to see the same static that has skewed many truths.

You would have to be living under a rock not to realize that the news media does more than simply report facts — it frames them. By choosing what to emphasize, what to omit, and how to phrase a story, outlets can subtly (or overtly) push a particular narrative that aligns with their political leanings, cultural values, or business goals. Depending on which news media you watch, you will receive a different perspective. How can you trust one or the other? Let's take a look at how their technique causes division.

The Power of Omission

One of the most common ways media alters perception is through omission. A statement that begins with compassion can be cut down to a few words that paint an entirely different picture. For example, a person might say:

“I think all people should have the opportunity for free mental health screenings because early support makes a difference.”

But if a journalist only quotes the latter half, the message could be twisted into:“…because mental illness is responsible for society’s biggest problems.”

By stripping away context, the media can make someone appear harsher, more extreme, or more controversial than they actually are.

Word Choice and Tone

Another technique is word choice. A protest might be described as a “peaceful demonstration” in one outlet and a “riot” in another. A politician may “shift their stance” in one article or “flip-flop” in another. Each word carries subtle emotional weight that influences the reader’s perception.

Selective Emphasis

Headlines also shape the story before it’s even read. A headline highlighting the most sensational or divisive detail primes readers to interpret the story in a particular way. Readers often skim headlines without digging deeper, which means the framing can become more powerful than the facts themselves.

Confirmation Bias in Play

Audiences also play a role. News outlets know their readers or viewers gravitate toward stories that reinforce their existing beliefs. By tailoring coverage to meet those expectations, media companies secure loyalty but risk narrowing the range of perspectives presented. Those who seek only one informational source will continue to be fed the same rhetoric until they parrot what has been pounded into their subconscious without realizing they've never lent an ear to any other possibilities.

Why It Matters

Changing the narrative isn’t always about spreading misinformation. Sometimes, it’s about deciding which truths to highlight and which to leave out. But when nuance disappears, public understanding is replaced with polarized soundbites — and that affects how we view our neighbors, our leaders, and even ourselves.

My Final Thoughts

Media bias isn’t just about “left” or “right.” It’s about framing. Readers should approach stories with a critical eye: ask what’s missing, what’s emphasized, and why. The more aware we are of how narratives are shaped, the better we can separate facts from spin. We must do our due diligence and seek out answers in multiple forums. Most of the time, it has been proven that the truth is somewhere in the middle. For me, first and foremost, I’m a believer in God, and if information shows up in my realm that is cruel and unkind, I know it's not of God. For those who don’t subscribe to my thoughts, I hope you will at least consider the points I’ve made, because if you don’t stand for something (and know what that something is), you’ll fall for anything.