"Freakonomics" suggests bias in mainstream media is real

Media bias has long been a rallying cry of conservative talk radio in trying to denigrate the longstanding political influence of old media, aka newspapers.

Most academic efforts to prove those allegations right or wrong sided with newspapers, saying the left-leaning bias was overblown.

An episode of "Freakonomics" titled "How Biased in your Media?" however, suggests that bias is measurable and strong, at least according to an interesting set of variables developed by Tim Groseclose, author of "Left Turn: How Liberal Media Bias Distorts the American Mind."

As with almost any study, a person can poke holes in the methodology. And I certainly question findings that list The Wall Street Journal among the most liberal news outlets measured. 

I started taking the 40-question Political Quotient test mentioned in the podcast to measure my bias, but bailed before I got 25 percent through for two reasons: I didn't have time and the questions seem loaded. 

I'm not sure we'll ever find tools that truly measure true or perceived bias, but unlike some journalists tired of defending themselves, I actually think the topic is worth continued discussion. Not so much to settle the issue once and for all but rather to ensure we never take "the other side" for granted.