The Myth of a Free Press: Media Bias Explained

Watch this video ad-free on Nebula: nebula.tv/videos/tom-nicholas...
A video about mainstream media bias.
Timestamps:
00:00 "Fake News"
01:20 Introduction
04:34 The "Migrant Crisis" and the "Migrant Caravan"
07:28 Anatomy of a News Report
11:53 Media and Representation
19:37 Manufacturing Consent
31:51 Inside the Consent Factory
48:26 Worthy and Unworthy Victims
52:59 Conclusions
Link to the BBC Newsnight report: • Why are migrants cross...
In this month's episode of What the Theory?, I (Tom Nicholas) look at media bias and "fake news" primarily through the lens of Manufacturing Consent by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky and the work of Stuart Hall on representation and the media.
We're going to put the corporate media under the spotlight in order to consider how media ownership leads to bias in the media which favours the richest and most powerful in our society.
As a case study, we're going to take a look at a news report which aired as part of the BBC's flagship news and current affairs programme BBC Newsnight. The report focuses on the "migrant crisis" and the current English Channel crossings. We're going to consider how BBC News has framed these Channel crossings, what response the report wants us to have to them and what aspects of the way in which our media works might have informed this.
It's a long one, but my goal was to create the ultimate media bias crash course. Hopefully, I've not done too badly on that front.
Support the channel on Patreon at / tomnicholas
If you've enjoyed this video and would like to see more including my What The Theory? series in which I provide some snappy introductions to key theories in the humanities as well as video essays and more then do consider subscribing.
Thanks for watching!
Twitter: / tom_nicholas
Instagram: / tomnicholaswtf
Patreon: / tomnicholas
Website: www.tomnicholas.com/
#mediabias #chomsky #manufacturingconsent

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Help me to make more videos like this by heading to patreon.com/tomnicholas Rewards include Early Access to videos, copies of scripts, commentary tracks, behind-the-scenes content and more. Thanks for watching!

[@TheRightSideOfHistory]

This was outstanding Tom. I guess its not about the length of the video but the content. People value good content and love to watch more of it so this myth about shorter videos being in demand is not fully accurate when it comes to topics like this. You did take time but every minute was worth it, the information you provided justified the time. More power to ya! I recently began watching your stuff and I like everything I have watched so far. Looking forward to more.

[@erbearcorpseharvester1082]

0

[@okofreak01]

Hey just want to leave a little feedback. It would be more pleasing to watch if you stood a bit farther away from the camera. Your head is a bit cut off and your hands aren't always in frame. I think it would be a more pleasing viewing experience if it were always possible to see your hands and follow them.

[@h4n5i]

Hey Check out the german system, not taxfunded and democratically organized by representative interest groups of the publick and politicians / with a certain ratio limiting influence, imho the most independent we can get

[@wayfarerzen3393]

Framing is the means through which the modern media weaponizes public opinion.

[@ThePsychoRenegade]

Tom out here looking like he wants someone to bring him pictures of Spiderman.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

AND I WANT THEM YESTERDAY PARKER.

[@cosmoreverb3977]

@@Tom_Nicholas shit, when did Christopher Nolan start writing Spiderman?

[@garrett2439]

*Spider-Man

[@Ghost_of_Avalon]

@@garrett2439 *Supaidah mahn!

[@valentincaballero9418]

@@Ghost_of_Avalon *espider man

[@Dsonsee]

I find it remarkable that the media corporations label RT and Al-Jazeera "state-sponsored media" while the BBC and DW are labelled as "public broadcasting".

[@Tom_Nicholas]

This has long irked me. I very much believe in the *idea* of the BBC, but, as it currently exists, it does not fulfil that public service function.

[@computerfan1079]

Yes, though RT and Al-Jazeera are more directly controlled by their governments

[@nolovedrjones9668]

@@computerfan1079 they're just more open about it

[@currentcomentor1026]

Al-jazerra is state owned by Quatar. But most of the personel are old BBC Arabic staff.

[@travcollier]

@@currentcomentor1026 Yep. In regards to independence and editorial freedom, Al Jazeera is closer to what most folks would call "public" than "state" media. The BBC was shutting down their Arabic service and the Emir basically said "I'll fund you" with very few strings attached. That was a while ago though... I don't really know the current state of affairs there. Anyways, there's not a clear line or anything... But it boils down to the degree of independence the journalists and editors have. Of course who pays the bills matters a lot, but how much control the state exercises isn't a 1:1 correlation with that. Corporate media isn't independent either. Hell, random dudes on youtube are beholden to what gets them "engagement"

[@jeremyellismusic]

The pronunciation is so clear it's driving me insane. Tom has the hardest T sounds in the game.

[@MF-R]

Thanks now the Ts are just bombarding me 🙃

[@MannIchFindKeinName]

pretty sure thats for the foreigners like me :D Didnt even realize i heard those, and now i wonder how long he trained for that xD

[@alphamikeomega5728]

This is what pop filters are for.

[@jacknitro9163]

As a teacher, I rewrote my whole unit on media bias. Thank you for this great informative and funny video!

[@thomasbeaumont8884]

Can you help me

[@jacknitro9163]

@@thomasbeaumont8884 Yes absolutely what can I help with?

[@samuelwilkin5]

When I first saw the clips of people on the boats. It felt like I was watching a human nature documentary with the reporter watching these people trying to survive, whilst not intervening to save and help them. It is really disturbing about how they turned them from people fleeing their homes into either threats or just statistics.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

It really was chilling. And it was replicated on pretty much all the main channels too...

[@samuelwilkin5]

Just goes to show what state our media is in

[@MPostma72]

@@samuelwilkin5 Just goes to show what state your country is in.

[@timk6181]

@@MPostma72 Can't really argue with that.

[@dirk7761]

It's good that they're turned into statistics, since that's the only way to get an idea of the scale of a problem... It's objective... You should applaud that...

[@KillsAllHumanity]

So im only about 13ish minutes into this video so far, but i wanna just compliment you on taking the time to summarize the structure of your argument. Its a little step that makes the video that much easier to follow

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thank you, really glad you thought that helped. Hope you enjoy the rest of the video!

[@TravisRiver]

What specific, helpful feedback

[@soulsurvivor8293]

@@Tom_Nicholas knows how to frame and structure his own media presentation in the exact same manner as the subject of said media presentation. Its sad how few people realise this...

[@lilnoir4213]

@@soulsurvivor8293 Well he is a individual who does exclusively political youtube video, based on his on opinion and not a Multi-Million Dollar News Agency that claims to be neutral.

[@yommish]

@@soulsurvivor8293 making arguments is a sign of BIAS, checkmate KZbin video essays

[@itWouldBeWise]

Also recommended, the segment by George Carlin: "It's called the American dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it."

[@swine13]

Thats more of a one-line joke or wordplay, rather than any significant statement that ought be made in a debate about inherent media biases. Aka I like George Carlin and he had views ahead of his time, but that bit is largely irrelevant here.

[@itWouldBeWise]

@@swine13 the full segment (prior to that punchline) explains how the corporate masters who own the press and the government and us don't want us to be critical thinkers. That leads up to the punchline regarding the American dream. I think it's relevant to the myth of the free press.

[@jenm1]

@@itWouldBeWise those choice of words make us sound like conspiracy nuts but I generally agree

[@bademoxy]

it turned from dream into nightmare when Leftist boomers took over the institutions

[@zacknattack]

@@bademoxy leftist boomer is easily the funniest dumbest most oxymoronic term i've heard

[@spaceowl5957]

I hadn’t considered that the report was reducing these people to statistics, but it absolutely did. The report seemed completely innocuous to me at first but that was a great aha moment. They could’ve framed the event in so many different other ways. Your channel is fascinating! Truly a gem. Not to mention your style is very unique. Thanks for this insight and for being a great KZbinr.

[@michaeltorrisi7289]

Mmm, so he makes the claim that talking about the numbers is a dehumanizing tactic, used to make these Iraqi migrants appear unworthy of sympathy. Later, he tells us that in the 90's and early 00's, the media was painting these same migrants as worthy victims. What he doesn't touch on is whether or not reports of suffering under Saddam Hussein were presented anecdotally or statistically. And I'm sure you could find examples of either, but broadly speaking, that was done statistically. It's what you might think of as talking out of both sides of your mouth. There's nothing wrong with Tom having political leanings or in him trying to persuade others to his leanings, but he's dealing in rhetoric, not in grounded logical argumentation.

[@Pushing_Pixels]

@@michaeltorrisi7289 No it wasn't. The reporting on victims of Saddam were anecdotal as much as statistical. But it doesn't really matter. Tom's argument is that whether "victims" are portrayed as "worthy" or not depends on those victims' relationship with British (in this case) Foreign Policy. There's no doublespeak there, it's pointing out a contradiction. Your comment is not grounded in logical argumentation.

[@ramiismael7502]

This man outdid himself

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Ahh, thank you, that's very kind of you to say!

[@lucabusch6093]

I knew when I saw the length of the video

[@BriandeLint]

Is this actually Rami Ismael watching Tom Nicholas? Love your games, sad to see Vlambeer go.

[@commissarmethyst7564]

He indeed did.

[@NickKautz]

I've always interpreted that saying as "It was good but you were trying too hard.."

[@Maunakea0]

There’s not enough people making intelligent content like this. Very thoughtful analysis.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thanks, I'm really glad you found it insightful!

[@tomlloyd2603]

As a current media MA student, I just want to say this is an excellent video that has been well-researched and articulated so perfectly. Genuinely incredible.

[@Michael0697]

Journalism school student as well; this report is simply amazing. Truly next level academic analysis. I want to share this with my ethics professor!

[@aprilshowers3246]

journalism student. this video has given me a framework for a fantastic media analysis thanks Tom!

[@eges72]

As a current student of the Sociology of Visual Communication & Design course, I agree.

[@rebekahrobertson7671]

Why did I pay bloody $30k for a whole damn degree when I could’ve just watched video essays. You’re awesome man

[@Rolando_Cueva]

For the college experience

[@river_brook]

@@Rolando_Cueva $30,000 networking event

[@glitchedoom]

@@Rolando_Cueva Crippling debt and a stimulant addiction?

[@alanrobertson9790]

As long as it wasn't sociology, psychology or gender studies it probably wasn't a total waste. Also I don't think you can get the certificate watching youtube videos. Now there's a money spinner.

[@jackvac1918]

My offering to the almighty KZbin algo-god while I begin watching.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Haha, I appreciate your contribution to the cause!

[@InauguralAgate6]

The algo-god rises.

[@Hand-in-Shot_Productions]

The same mysterious technological deity also brought me here! I will begin watching it later, for 55 minutes sounds like a long time.

[@wildernessisland2573]

Algo-god, hear me!

[@SgtVeritas]

I too, make my offering

[@archvaldor]

It is worth adding that you will literally almost never see any one on the News who isn't in the supertax league, and that's true for most of the important backroom staff.. Even if the journalist attempts to be objective they just aren't aware of many things the working and middle-classes experience.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Yeah, I think I'm right in saying that, in the UK, there's a far higher proportion of privately educated and Oxbridge educated people in the media than in the rest of the population. As you suggest, this is going to massively shape how they cover something like the benefits system as its simply something they'll never have experienced.

[@archvaldor]

@@Tom_Nicholas Yes I hadn't even considered the class privilege side of things. Btw Thanks so much for making this video-this issue bothered me so much I actually felt like I would have had to make something like it myself-and I'm glad I didn't because it wouldn't have been as good as this.

[@samcassidy2441]

@@Tom_Nicholas This is partly because getting a good journalism job requires contacts and often working as an unpaid intern for a year or so to get a foot in the door. Naturally it tends to be people with generational wealth on their side who have the means to do this.

[@patrickcannady2066]

@@Tom_Nicholas The class privilege issue is just as rampant in US Media, too, and gives it a huge, completely intentional blind spot.

[@SlapstickGenius23]

Class privilege issue is also even more prevalent in India for a really long time.

[@Mankorra_Gomorrah]

I’m literally about to get into a zoom call for a college class about politics and the media and this single video has been more informative than the entire class for the 5 weeks I’ve been in it

[@aadrath1236]

Alright. Hands down the smartest political youtuber out there. These kind of videos help us prepare for exams such as UPSC back in India. Helps us gain objectivity that enables us to look beyond narratives. Amazing brother. Thank You. You have no idea how much of a service you are doing to young impressionable minds in a society where truth has been replaced with post truth.

[@AliZiaKabirChoudhary]

But can you maintain this much objectivity in your IAS exams? And then service later? You will do state's bidding?

[@jyotkanwalbhambra5100]

Him and Bad Empanada are amazing

[@grosslyoverrated]

i (and my brother) have both been having this argument for years with our father; a longtime journalist, now speechwriter for a state legislator. the level of cognitive dissonance about what he dedicated so much of his life to has been so frustrating. especially because, i am pretty sure, he has read manufacturing consent.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

I think one of the benefits of the "filter" model is that it accounts for the fact that a lot of the process is out of the hands of individuals journalists. While they obviously still play a role, a lot of it is about shaping the context in which they're working so that it *feels* like they're doing a better job than they are.

[@grosslyoverrated]

@@Tom_Nicholas agreed. btw, the police example you brought up has been a longtime point of ours. this is a particular area in which i have seen/believe journalism has never done its role but has consistently pat itself on the back for doing so, whilst it denied the role it was playing in acting as a pr outlet including not doing any journalistic due diligence on information passed to reporters or news outlets. the rationale being "this is teh only reliable source of information on this", which wouldnt fly for any other form of story at all.

[@relight6931]

@@kingofracism all lives mater, before you even go there. in case you are being honest in wanting to expand your views, the meaning behind black lives mater simply means that it's 2020 yet, still getting born in USA, you would do good for yourself being born white, not black. In the eyes of the system, all of various government bodies, police and courts, insurance companies, healthcare providers, welfare and unemployment offices,zoning comissions, it's 2020 and your color still maters. What's much more disgusting if you ask me, is that it's made that way on purpuse, little by inertia, but much more as a way to create an outlet for the white working poor. So that they could in their frustration look down on someone and think at least I am better then them. All of which just serves the purpuse of not rocking the boat and questioning the legitimicy of paid in full goverment, comprised of people that have nothing in common with an average working American and don't represent their interests in the slightest. In short, if you are a racists in 2020, just do the rest of hamanity a favor and do a vasectomy.

[@relight6931]

@@kingofracism That's interesting. You've replied to me, I got alerted by yt app, yet reply only shows in my gmail inbox. You know, I don't really comment or start debates in any public or private places for reasons other then exchanging ideas and maybe learning something new. I see your point of view, but if you start your reflection on the world with all life don't mater, suicide seems like a logical next move. You obvioualy don't think that, otherwise why waste time and energy on a comment. I live dark humor, but if you are depressed, maybe seek some help..

[@specialknees6798]

@@Tom_Nicholas I remember seeing a clip of Chomsky being told by a journalist that they only write what they genuinely believe, to which Chomsky said something along the lines of, “I have no doubt that you believe what you write, because if you didn’t believe what you do, you’d be out of a job.” Basically, the circumstances leading up to journalists getting their positions, including prior work, means that major outlets select for those with views that correspond with their own.

[@lauran.p.8319]

Oh gosh to show the vulnerable people at that little boat as a threat just enrages me, it is total cowardice. I would never be able to talk about this issue as calmly as you did, and I respect that.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

It was a really tough balance to strike; both wanting to keep the analysis bit feeling rigorous whilst also wanting to not end up just echoing the dehumanising aspects of the report itself in that analysis. I hope the final section of this video manages to, at least in some small way, speak back to some of that stuff and re-inject a bit of empathy into the discussion.

[@lexzetusko]

It's even more frustrating when the caravan that came in October of 2018 to influence the election not a single person mentioned the caravan that came 6 months before and nothing happened then

[@xenomorphexidious9102]

That little boat is just a scene to fill in the video. Boats are alot bigger and there's alot more of them to be fit in.

[@marcorock7031]

@@xenomorphexidious9102 More vulnerable people to help rather than use to justify racial hatred.

[@xenomorphexidious9102]

@@marcorock7031 Yeah lets help them in their own land. Its overall easier.

[@jacobrawley898]

I'm a fourth year journalism student, I found this fascinating and truly hope there will be a place for unbiased and honest journalism down the road. Unfortunately, as we were taught in the first lecture of first year the news industry can fit in a single elevator. Can only but hold myself to account. Thanks for the fantastic video!

[@olly123451]

"outright fabrication is incredibly rare" Hello yes, it's Australia here, we'd like to submit the entire Murdoch response to our bushfires, climate change, and now the Royal Commission created by Kevin Rudd as evidence of "complete fabrication of events".

[@matheusvillela9150]

The media fabricates news all the time about Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea and China. But it is easier to fabricate news when it happens on other countries, specially if they're isolated.

[@fozzy425]

@@matheusvillela9150 Gotta agree. I liked the video but the BBC and other news sources in the UK are guilty of fabrication when it comes to stories outside of the country.

[@jmurray1110]

Also boris Johnstone prawn cocktail crisps conspiracy

[@Guns367]

Time to add this to my pile of "Good videos that explain my point but no one but me and certain friends will watch because its too many Sargons long." Very good video and this comment is an offering to the almighty KZbin Algorithm.

[@Alex-he5pj]

Well I've just found the name for the playlist

[@kindletwitt3237]

Man it’s funny to get a Epoch Times ad on this video

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Dammit. Pretty much whatever I cover in a video, some of the worst examples of that thing tend to end up being advertised before it!

[@matthewhorrigan5848]

Christ is it ever.

[@BrassicaRappa]

I've gone out of my way to hide and report these ads every time the show up, and it makes no difference. It's so frustrating!

[@kuningas1101]

@@Tom_Nicholas rather have shit ads here where most people will be able to recognize them for what they are, rather than somewhere else where another, more impressionable person may see it and be negatively affected by it

[@rini6]

KindleT Witt The right wing spends a lot on ads. The KZbin algorithm does not differentiate left from right.. only keywords. I’m constantly getting right wing ads.

[@mulllhausen]

40:29 "this is a deeply political right wing union" - that's the first time i have ever heard the term "right wing union"!

[@byrongsmith]

See also: police unions.

[@richardfinlayson1524]

It's not the first time I have heard it,we have some in OZ too

[@hanswestmar4249]

@@byrongsmith please, being right wing or especially somewhat wanting to preserve your culture and blood is essentially forbidden today. The police harras nationalists, no doubt you highly agree with that behaviour.

[@byrongsmith]

@@hanswestmar4249 So forbidden that the president of the most powerful empire in human history made it his personal philosophy.

[@blau6832]

@@hanswestmar4249 You lost me at "blood". I see the thing with culture, but "blood" is a talking point exclusive to Nazis and it should stay that way.

[@parimisreekar]

One of the best critical analysis of media bias. Manufacturing consent is a phenomenal work but a complex one too. And you have done a marvelous job of condensing it to a short accessible video essay with a very engaging example. Well done.

[@DanniBiersack]

weirdly I'm reminded of english lessons in primary and secondary school, where we were taught different "genres" of writing - newspapers, diaries, stories, etc. obviously to help us distinguish what literary devices and tones etc. are appropriate for each style. But I do distinctly remember being taught to write a newspaper in a /persuasive/ way - in a way to get the audience to take a certain side. It's like it's an open thing that the news has ulterior motives but it's also not questioned either

[@fruitygarlic3601]

I remember my teacher making us take a political compass test beforehand, so we could address our biases. 11 year old us didn't understand what any of the questions meant, but I appreciate the effort -- even if wider society just accepts the way the media is.

[@lucyla9947]

I literally once had to write an Article for english and I had points taken away for not being biased enough.

[@couchpotatoe91]

At least in Germany, there are different styles of journalistic writing. The biased one is called "boulevard" iirc and is usually about nonpolitical topics like obesity, vaccines etc. that want you to take a standpoint. The other one is full neutral and e.g. about an accident or some short summary of a speech or address.

[@idontwantahandlethough]

That's a good point! Although sometimes i think its perfectly fine if the journalist has an opinion they're pushing. It becomes a problem when it's no longer easily distinguishable which is which, or when there is only one of the two, which I'm pretty sure is where we are right meow

[@TWiTCH757]

yeah this sounds like paid propaganda for big vhs. everybody knows betamax is the truth. great video otherwise.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

What can I say? Their offer was too generous to refuse...

[@TWiTCH757]

Tom Nicholas i respect you for your honesty. let’s hope they don’t alter their deal.

[@Kobolds_in_a_trenchcoat]

@@Tom_Nicholas why does this sound like they threatened you?

[@TWiTCH757]

@2manynegativewaves what a piece of junk!

[@hollandscottthomas]

The outcome of the VHS/Betamax War was actually decided by... porn.

[@chrs-wltrs]

What a stellar essay. I was initially apprehensive when you discussed transitioning to focus on the refugees in the boat, not because I felt differently than you clearly do about the state of those victims, but because I felt that their abysmal circumstances and the actions that led to them were beyond the scope of an essay about the factors that influence mainstream journalism and the tools used to shape those narratives. But *boy* was I wrong. I was too young to understand the news coverage you mentioned of Iraq at the time it was aired, but the terms you addressed regarding "worthy" and "unworthy victims" in journalist narrative were extremely thought-provoking. The subjects of that narrative aren't different, but the goals of the people shaping that narrative now are, and that's the key caveat that savvy media consumers should remember when approaching contemporary mainstream journalism. I'm finishing up my undergrate degree, so as someone who has spent *a lot* of time and effort over the last four years studying and writing research papers, think pieces, and essays, I feel fairly confident in saying that this was very well done.

[@Philboshaba]

I love how this is a literal essay. I recognize the script as literally something I could've submitted in my varsity days

[@BobbyGeez]

How do you stay so calm? Do you have a run through with sheer uncontrollable rage screaming beforehand?

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Haha, there's definitely a point to which, having spent more than a week writing something, it's much easier to be level-headed about a topic. When I'd first been watching the clip through I was pretty outraged but having worked on it for so long meant that I at least could have a bit of distance on it.

[@BobbyGeez]

@@Tom_Nicholas Really appreciate what you're doing though Tom :)

[@operatic9537]

Tom, you've created a masterpiece. Any attempt to describe how highly I think of this video is doomed so I'll just say this: this is required viewing, and the world is a better place because this video exists. Thank you for making it.

[@SamOGr]

I only found this channel around a week ago and already binged a lot of videos, you're so well spoken, come across really well and obviously put in a lot of work, well done

[@prerthanmunireternam809]

Reading Understanding Power by Chomsky was one of the most eye opening experiences and it’s scary to think how much of what was said translates to social media sites

[@acamon]

Really liking the energy in this!

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thanks!

[@scofah]

I couldn't watch the whole thing because of the (annoying unnecessary repetitive propagandistic) background music. Sorry. For content as rich as this is, the background music is distracting and detracts from what you could be accomplishing without it. Maybe a little bit at the beginning and a tiny bit at the end would be okay..... You might want to consider eliminating it all in the middle.

[@oscarallen4718]

@@scofah I'm not sure where is this annoying music

[@scofah]

@@oscarallen4718 I got to the 37-minute mark and just couldn't take it anymore.... Sounds like carnival sort of saxophony you may have to turn up your speakers to hear it... It just doesn't need to be there. This guy has some good information that doesn't need that music.

[@DonetskiLetsplayshik]

@@scofah this is honestly the most "old man shouting at the clouds" thing ive seen all week

[@rfldss89]

Why is all of breadtube just composed of theater kids? Edit: everyone shitting on my content not realising I'm a leftist too, and a breadtube aficionado 🙃

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Suppose we've gotta find something to do whilst all the theatres are closed...

[@davec8473]

Person who is remotely left, central or not quite far enough right: makes content Internet: Commence bullying

[@tb-cg6vd]

Well i for one am very pleased that some theatre kids are reading 'Manufacturing Consent' and showing it's relevance in the 21st century......as well as being able to spell 'theatre'.

[@a.n.l.aantineoliberalismas4504]

Ok neolibtard

[@ethanhart3108]

@@a.n.l.aantineoliberalismas4504 Disagree with them all you like, but drop the slur.

[@Periye]

I only recently stumbled on your channel and I am blown away by your careful dissection and explanation of media theories and its effects on culture today. Never thought I would see media theory discussed in such an engaging and entertaining way! Keep up the good work man!

[@sisterdiggins]

I just discovered your channel yesterday as I was searching for Guy Debord and the Situationists who had a profound effect on me many years ago and I must tell you that I am absolutely impressed with your work and your delivery on so many necessary subjects . And yes , these are subjects and philosophies that I relate to , but I truly see and appreciate your vision and delivery . Very well done ! I am thrilled to find you ! And to all those who say don't take the money , take it , because that is how things get done , sadly . Your perspective is very valuable and needed.

[@surajchaudhary613]

We will watch your career with great interest!

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thank you Suraj! Hope you enjoy this video!

[@buchanananomaly]

This was a fantastic video! I studied and wrote about Manufacturing Consent as a part of my degree, and it's great to see it presented in such an accessible way. I'm sure I don't speak for everyone, but videos of this length are fine by me! Love a good deep dive :)

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thanks Lucy, I'm really glad you got something out of it. And I've been very pleasantly surprised by people's responses to the length!

[@mattfm101]

Wouldn't manufactured consent work to for example by convincing an identifiable group of people that all these masses of people to their country is a good thing, even though it will push down wages, push up house prices, increase demand on resources, require more green land to build on, reduce social cohesion and the most important one guarantee that they wont exist within a certain amount of generations in the future. So it goes against all common sense to do and yet some how we all agree to it but we've never voted for it. I mean what healthy thinking group of people consciously throw their ancestors struggles away in the past and their own people's existence in the future unless their consent had been, manufactured?

[@tasty8109]

Tom’s content has never dipped in quality. Each video goes into such depth while still remaining easy to understand. Keep up the amazing work

[@thomasswords6837]

Another great video. I particularly appreciated your explanation at the end about how the same media that once framed Iraqis as worthy victims when we (US/UK) wanted to bomb Iraq now depicts them as unworthy now that they need to flee their destroyed country.

[@kickinit7881]

it infuriates me watching the bbc video, seeing those reporters just watch and tape these poor refugees trying to get across the channel without even thinking to help them from their *actual* boat. it just goes to show how little they think of these ppl-they don’t care to show their perspective, they don’t care to help them, they don’t even ASK to record them during what i imagine is probably one of the most terrifying experiences of their lives, instead choosing to commodify them and reduce them to boogeymen and stats. it’s incredibly gross. but great video as per usual tom! thoroughly enjoyed your media analysis, thanks for sharing :)

[@justabitofamug6989]

I totally agree. Also none of the faces of the refugees are blurred out, and I doubt the BBC got their consent to be broadcasted

[@johnbarker256]

No they totally think very highly of these news stories......i mean people.

[@user-lq1jc6wf5m]

Isn't it illegal to facilitate illegal immigration?

[@sgt0pimienta532]

My dude, I love your videos, and this one, as a journalist, I love especially. I do want to mention, though, that independent journalism is a real thing. It will never be unbiased because objectivity is impossible, but: (1) it is manipulated much less; (2) its bias is more transparent, we independent journalists tend to make our opinion pretty transparent. It's not glamorous, it's not well paid (most lf the time, it's not paid at all), it's not for "the masses", but it's good journalism: we don't roleplay as perfect, impartial, benevolent information gods. Instead, we write as honestly as we can. Great video, mate. Loved it.

[@miadutch5641]

i've just graduated from my journalism & media degree last month HOW am i only just finding your channel now 😭 this is so well put together! thank u for sharing

[@LilyoftheLake14]

This video needs to be shown to every student majoring in journalism, and to any person in, or going into the field of journalism. It also needs to be shown to anyone who has interest in politics, or just people who watch or read the news. So, yeah, pretty much everyone should have to watch this.

[@NyleGames]

Your videos in general but especially this one are such wonderful explanations. I'm always engaged and I can follow every logical step, you give the viewer enough information that they can reach the same/similar conclusion just before you do. Which shows just how much of a good job you do!

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Ahh, thank you Llewelyn, I'm really glad you found it easy to follow-that's always my most important consideration!

[@totlyepic]

Minor criticism: Multiple times, you refer to the focus on the supposed mass immigration in the framing of the event in the report as a "focus on numbers" as a means to not focus on the wellbeing of the immigrants, and I think that's a mistake. The issue is not a focus on numbers, but the choice of which numbers to focus on. I think you'd very easily agree that a focus on different numbers (such as the rates at which Iraqis have access to food, water, etc.) would serve the purpose you mention.

[@src175]

Yeah, but no numbers mentioned in the report focused on that at all, though, so, uh, what's your point?

[@MassDefibrillator]

@@src175 Their point is pretty clear to me.

[@quentinbongard9046]

@@src175 The point is that the bias is not necessarily the fact that they focus on numbers per se, but rather which particular numbers they choose to focus on.

[@juhuu13579]

I think you know you’re being unnecessarily pedantic, you understood the message conveyed. Even still, either way you’d be reducing real people and suffering to numbers, instead of presenting the refugees as humans in need of help. That would be far less palatable than statistics in the abstract. You’re welcome

[@zilosis3794]

@@juhuu13579 They aren't refugees. France isn't at war.

[@gugugagagugu07]

So glad to see your channel grow so much. I've been following you since your first video, I remember needing some advice about an essay I was writing and you popped up. I was studying at the Faculty of Letters Norwegian and English back then and now I'm doing my masters in Philosophy, Culture and Communication and I always recommend your videos to my colleagues whenever there's a lecture about Derrida, Foucault, etc. Keep it up!

[@evanramee796]

This video is so well put together, with such concise delivery. Truly excellent work.

[@user-qn6yt3zx3w]

Bloody brilliant approach (applying Chomsky) to a complex problem. Well chosen example of inherent BBC bias. Keep up the great work.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thank you, I'm really glad you liked it!

[@nevarran]

I would argue it's not inherent, but rather acquired. The print media in the UK are so far right, that even a center positioned media can look left leaning. So for a public network to appear impartial, they are forced to position themselves a bit to the right.

[@chicovicente2845]

This man puts a lot of effort into these videos, much appreciated

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Cheers Chico! It's an awful lot of work that goes into them but it's all worthwhile when they get such a nice response!

[@mutanazublond4391]

He' has a team, most probably made in an Advertising studio after or even during Hrs,. There's hundreds, of those neat half truth video's and their fake looking thru after effects to mask his real identity and looks...he's part of the propaganda he reports on, of course no. actual news, all of that we knew, he won't tell you how they are all actors

[@mykal4779]

@@mutanazublond4391 hope you're doing ok bud

[@MultiSmartass1]

This to be one of most specific , enumerated and precise media analyses of news I have seen on you tube. It's like seeing a journal article as a video.

[@Slowp0w]

This is pure quality information and knowledge, served in a very professional and easily digestive manner despite having a high taxonomy. Thank you yet again for making high quality content!

[@tomio8072]

Take a shot every time Tom says “manufacturing consent”

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Or "Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky's 1988 book Manufacturing Consent". Didn't notice quite how much I'd repeated that phrase until it came to editing...

[@peccantis]

Manufacturing liver chirrosis.

[@camelopardalis84]

Now that you're done with your PhD thesis you have time to get into acting on camera, I see.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Haha, I'm definitely hoping to use some of the newly-found free time to keep improving my videos. I am also going to try to get a bit better at having some occasional time off too though (which, to be honest, will probably also help make my videos better...)!

[@camelopardalis84]

@@Tom_Nicholas All in the service of better videos! Whatever it takes! I already have a bit of a backlog of videos of yours that I really, really want to watch. So you're already doing fine in that regard. If my taste is any indication.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Haha, glad I've provided you with a way to kill some time!

[@camelopardalis84]

@@Tom_Nicholas If it's just about killing time, I watch less decent stuff. Watching your videos is about more than minute murdering.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Ahh, that's very kind of you to say, I'm really glad you get something out of them!

[@k-m___]

you put so much time effort and research into all your videos!!! love all the lil slides and how structured your arguments are x

[@user-yc6km3iw7c]

Great work, Tom. Thanks for the time taken in making these important issues! On the top of my list is becoming a patreon supporter once it's financially viable. Cheers

[@rickstarz]

Has anyone ever watched an episode of Newsnight in full? It's so biased it's kind of scary to think that people might see it as a neutral source.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

I used to do my best to stay up to watch it in the evening. But it's become very prone to client journalism as of late (as I hope I explore in this vid!).

[@rickstarz]

@@Tom_Nicholas Yeah, it's really bad in my view. Keep up the good work Tom, you've helped me out enormously on so many topics!

[@Tom_Nicholas]

So glad you've found some of my stuff helpful!

[@rickstarz]

@@Tom_Nicholas I wrote my original comment too soon - I now know why BBC reports are the way they are. So interesting and a bit scary when you grow up taught it's an 'impartial' channel! Thanks again.

[@rickstarz]

I'm super new to communism and am starting to wonder how on earth you seem so calm and sane :). Any tips, because I'm started to feel pretty powerless?

[@darrenwilkinson1742]

Wow, some of the most balanced and thought out reporting I’ve ever seen. Pure class, please never stop. Subscribed.

[@carolinenavarro6497]

omg you are so great! I could feel your enthusiasm in the conclusion! Congratulations, this is such an excellent video, should be presented at schools and be in the curriculum to ensure media and information literacy!

[@BirthQuakeRecords]

This video helped to start answering questions I’ve been asking myself for years. Thank you. I’ve gotta read Manufacturing Consent now.

[@fivestarman5130]

At this point I’m convinced a significant portion of the population of the UK are so divorced from reality that they cannot be reasoned with. It’s a depressing state of affairs

[@ethanphilpot7643]

Now you know how a good chunk of Americans feel It's extremely frustrating

[@fivestarman5130]

Ethan Philpot As someone who’s from Ireland we have a somewhat biased media but it’s nothing on the same scale as this. It’s crazy looking at this from an outside perspective

[@Tom_Nicholas]

I'm enjoying this thread of people from different countries checking-in to essentially just say "same here". Edit: Although I will add, I think there's always ways to reason with people! As I see it, it's generally about working to find the link between the issue at hand and their everyday life; does the way in which something is framed in the media *actually* track with their experiences?

[@HxH2011DRA]

No use seeking a diplomatic solution when technical ones are available. To quote actual ancient Chinese wisdom "the doctrine of universal love has been a failure"

[@SofaKingShit]

We have a strong left wing press in Norway but they only seem to cover the minutea of government and cultural issues, and rarely of ever offer up a broader picture of systemic political inadequacy or the resulting economic failings. I live in Morocco now so l can't say too much because I have only ever read the English speaking papers or net news but funnily enough a teacher's strike with protest marches seemed to be portrayed relatively sympathetically on the TV news compared to how the British tabloids might cover a similar event, or at least that's my impression.

[@normlguy5799]

The vibe that BBC report gave of was very 2012/13 Australia. Just some context, during that time Australia had their own refugee crisis with the Liberal party of Australia (the conservative party) promising to "stop the boats". Along with a boatload of fear mongering for the media they won the 2013 election, which lead to Tony Abbott being Prime minister. Cool video though, would send to dad out of ten.

[@swine13]

We still have that, btw. Its just moved to "everyone is now in a detention centre" and thats sort of where it stagnated. Ita actually kinda horrific to think about. We're holding innocent people - families- basically in jail and nothing will get done about it until we vote the current party out of govt for a few years so the opposition can detangle that mess of red tape. The problem is that our Liberal party liked to use "boat people" as a trump card when elections come up, knowing that they can win votes that way (even worse when you realise that "boat" people are coming into the country successfully by plane all the time). I hate our government and media. 😒

[@TheJacklikesvideos]

If your 'conservative' party is called the "Liberal" party, you're as gone as the US is, and current events would support this theory.

[@jj-dt8fk]

This was very informative, thorough and easy to follow. I'm very Glad I decided to spend my free time watching it.

[@CuriousBorg]

Every single one of your videos is a master class on the subject covered. Thank you so much.

[@pennycheshire5608]

*feeds the algorithm* This video deserves more eyeballs on it. Well done 👏

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thanks Penny!

[@mutanazublond4391]

This is a propaganda piece, re-hashing the same old crap , anybody with any sense , knows that, did he tell you that all those boots people were all actors , they also have numerous profiles for fake characters in National Geographic,

[@MF-R]

@@mutanazublond4391 you meant "Boat" people I assume; and the point of the analysis of that news clip is that the media purposefully manipulates "information" to paint a biased view of events. The people on the boat being actors only strengthens that argument.

[@ABCDEFG-mj3np]

I can't believe how informative, challenging yet entertaining your videos are. It's a pleasure to be a small part of it, even only as a viewer!

[@TeLarac]

Perfectly communicated video! Really, the language you employ and the level of organisation of your material is pretty much impressive! Keep up this excellent work.

[@sabirzain5053]

I have to admit the long run time was initially daunting, but you did a great job keeping me tuned in with your way of delivering information :)

[@n33wom]

The "coverage" by our media on the migrant "crisis" has been appalling. No context given to understand why people would risk crossing such a channel, minimal discussion on the causes/catalysts of migration and a complete absence of any moral/ethical (or even legal) obligations we may have to these people.

[@pringleaddict5827]

I think we should have much stricter borders and be less caring to those who want to seek assistance but you’re right. There is too much subjectivity

[@probrickgamer]

The hidden hand works best when we all behave selfishly

[@pringleaddict5827]

@@probrickgamer im sorry but what does that mean

[@redrooster3420]

@@pringleaddict5827 This is a disturbing opinion and understanding to have of the political framework that leads to migrant suffering in the first place.For anyone looking for information that is based on statistical, factual, ethical, political histories and contexts of these crises, I highly recommend checking out the book "Border and Rule" by Harsha Walia. The issue is not one of "borders not being strict enough". It is an issue far deeper and more systemic than that.Policing of borders and bordering itself is a result of and reinforcement of the same violent political contexts that lead to refugee suffering.

[@chrisakaschulbus4903]

But even saying that there is a problem is considered "problematic" nowadays.

[@jeffersonclippership2588]

The Washington Post: Democracy Dies Behind a Paywall

[@akorn9943]

I’ve always loved how deliciously ironic that is. And now you get to pay Jeff Bezos a chunk of your salary each month to read at least one article a week on why taxing the rich is bad.

[@rafaelmusacchio5257]

@@akorn9943 and Tim pool used their slogan to slam one of their journalists who refused to admit that she doxed someone.

[@sidd_123]

Awesome video man, really top notch quality! I love how calm and composed you are when delivering your well thought out arguments

[@boldlypod]

Brilliant analysis. I can’t imagine how much preparation it takes but this is really well made educational content. And, in my opinion, it’s very enjoyable to listen to the way you speak.

[@GRRRRCA]

I recently stumbled upon your channel and am currently plowing through your WTF-series, which I'm finding absolutely brilliant! You're explaining difficult theories in a very accessible and enthusing way, as well as making my "to read"-list grow exponentially! You're channel is pure gold! Thank you so much! My best to you and keep up the great work!

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Cheers, I'm really glad you've found some of my videos interesting!

[@hanskover]

This was great. Thank you for this exceptional piece. Greetings from Germany!

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thank you, I'm really glad you liked it!

[@appleslover]

Why are there many Germans watching English speaking leftist channels? Don't get me wrong it's amazing to see that but out of all countries Germany has a fair share in English speaking youtube 😶. Also I am currently learning German so I would love to see such content being made in German if you don't mind giving me some recommendations! ❤🇩🇪

[@notinterested7911]

What a great video, now I’m interested in the biases of other news sources (public and private) in my own country Austria. Commenting to support a wonderful channel :)

[@leena3161]

Great video as always Tom... I'm really satisfied that you covered my thoughts and questions about our media that I always had in this video... Also the new intro is great.. The old one was cute haha.. Really enjoyed the video... Keep it up..

[@georgezakhia125]

Your videos have been super helpful in understanding everything you've discussed. I discovered your channel through your "How to Spot a Fascist" video, and I was really impressed by how you took a subject I was confused by and made it super understandable! Glad to see that your videos are getting more and more theatrical and informative 🙂

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thanks George, I'm really glad you've enjoyed some of my stuff!

[@tateoien871]

You're quickly becoming my favorite breadtuber. Keep up the good work!

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Really glad you've enjoyed some of my videos!

[@breno855]

Is this actually breadtube? Not criticizing but never connected the two.

[@tateoien871]

@@breno855 I'd say so yeah. He's got a similar style to, say, Ollie Thorn and even covers similar topics (as he mentions in his Musk videos). Like I guess labels aren't exactly super helpful, and I'd argue there's a lot of breadtubers that people don't recognize as such (Cuck Philosophy, for example), but yeah. I'd definitely say Tom's recent content qualifies as breadtube content.

[@karolinadabkowska7018]

Really well-made video. Honestly I would be down for more break-downs of specific news events reporting. Great job!

[@teresafarrell4745]

Excellent job. Thorough, thought provoking, well researched and produced...Keep at it. I support your patreon account. Very refreshing.

[@ari_isdrawing4293]

Had to pause to say that your intro was fantastic and I am so excited to watch the rest of this!

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thanks!

[@TheDancingHyena]

Great video! Those quotes remind me I need to actually get around to reading Manufacturing Consent.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thanks! It's definitely worth a read. And it's pretty accessible in terms of both language and form too.

[@aureliable8712]

A remarkable analysis, beyond worthy of time and attention. Thank you!

[@WikiPeoples]

I don't know what your goal is with this channel but, thank you for making really good content. Every video of yours I've watched clearly took a long time to make and has real substance and value in watching it.

[@bernardofitzpatrick5403]

Great content on media bias. Chomsky rocks. Feel bad for asylum seekers generally.Thanks Tom.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thanks Bernardo, really glad you liked it!

[@artemesaulkov2010]

Chomsky is a revisionist!!!

[@garrett2439]

You should look into anarcho-syndicalism, Chomsky's political ideology. You might find it very interesting.

[@eoin8450]

@@artemesaulkov2010 so what?

[@mutanazublond4391]

@@Tom_Nicholas Chomsky can say what he want's, as he repeats the same old little halve facts o&o!, If I had some real news, on the media and how they truly operate, you wouldn't even respond to me, because you're little '' Jillian Assange type of , let's get emotional, with the peoples on those little boats , even single One is an actor, just like BBC Africa eye, seen many doco 's, and they have gone from hyping up little event, to right now , setting up a scripted crime scene's like that Pyramid scam, witch when on. for a while, then they lie and uncover it... instead of the actual problem, why they (not those, I know them personally, so before you start denying it,

[@emilchan5379]

Great video! Very relatable since I work in the news industry and am all too aware of its inherent biases. I really need to read that Noam Chomsky book.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thank you! It's definitely worth a read, and is generally quite easy to engage with (in a way that not all academic texts are).

[@richarddeese1991]

Thank you. This is a timely and vital analysis. It should be taught in school (but, of course, it absolutely won't be!) tavi.

[@dominickprive2271]

I've seen a lot of videos attempting to explain manufacturing consent this is the first one I've fully understood, so thank you so much

[@reecemnky]

The production value on this one is insane! Loving it

[@fernandoluna6589]

That look reminds me of Cody from some more news, great video my man, keep it going, and cheers for your degree again

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Haha, that wasn't something I was intentionally going for, but then, when I was looking back at the thumbnail yesterday, I suddenly realised it had a very similar vibe! And thanks, really glad you liked it!

[@ediblenecklace7007]

AMAZING video. Honestly fantastic, I'm going to share this with everyone!

[@SamuelJayMusic]

Fantastically well put together video 👌

[@alchemicpunk1509]

Title Card: The "Migrant Crisis" Me, a German: *three hours long flashback of an endless stream of pundits claiming Angela Merkel was/is somehow "left leaning" * Also Me: Oh boi

[@blancmull3886]

Alchemic Punk well she’s culturally left wing. She may be slightly auth and economically right wing but she’s still culturally right wing

[@pjhaze]

Blanc Müll so she isn’t left wing lol. “Liberals “ in the US are the same. The right calls Obama & Biden socialist. It’s so dumb my mind is numb

[@blancmull3886]

PJ Q well Obama was culturally left wing second term. Granted though he was kinda like Trump first term. But he’s centre left economically

[@suides4810]

@@blancmull3886 she voted against gay marriage for example..

[@genieglasslamp5028]

@@blancmull3886 I have some news for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z32vn41jZd-sfsk

[@ssj1260]

This got randomly recommended, I got roped in. Great video, well done.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Cheers Chris, glad it hooked you!

[@monkeytime9851]

I only just found this channel, and i must say I am impressed with your work.

[@harunsuaidi7349]

Thank you! People write books about this, study this topics for years, write papers about it, and you effectively and efficiently educate the mass in less than one hour. Well done!

[@seanhayes1996]

My entire senior thesis in university in 2009 was about this very subject. I described in detail how framing by the careful inclusion/omission and phrasing of details in a news report sets an agenda that ultimately causes bias, and I accurately predicted a future news landscape wherein fact-based "hard news" would totally cave to op-ed pieces and debate panels. The professors almost laughed me out of the building, but they're eating their words now. I warned everyone that the "facts are boring" attitude in society would lead to exclusively entertainment-based news coverage from every single media outlet, but nobody listened. I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't want to hear some stupid anchor or pundit's opinion about a current event, I only want to know what happened and when. I can draw my own conclusions, I don't need a talking head to tell me how to think.

[@uranuuss]

Its hard to find people explaining the media bias this well

[@laurenbobo5]

Great video!!! Will be using as a source for my journalism class and AP government class.