Facts and Opinions

“A story that supports the status quo is generally considered to be neutral and is not questioned in terms of its objectivity, while one that challenges the status quo tends to be perceived as having a ‘point of view’ and therefore biased. Statements and assumptions that support the existing power structure are regarded as ‘facts’ whilst those that are critical of it tend to be rejected as ‘opinions.’

- Australian media analyst and academic Sharon Beder (Global Spin, Green Books, 1997, p.205), cited in Media Lens, “Media Alert: Thought Control and ‘Professional’ Journalism - Part 2,” 11/01/05.