Mainstream Media in Greece: Small-scale Bias Experiment on Information Scientists

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess whether fact-checking methods improve the critical evaluation of news content and mainstream media outlets that disseminate it, and to what extent personal biases influence these assessments. The study explored these through a controlled pilot experiment involving eight academic information scientists and including audio excerpts from six Greek mainstream television channels, all reporting on the same political event, anonymized to ensure blind evaluations. Participants completed a questionnaire incorporating Pew Research Center tools to assess their political orientations and they applied the Media Bias/Fact Check methodology. Findings reveal high perceived bias in all evaluated media outlets, with stronger right-wing classifications emerging when the identities of the outlets were known. Predominantly left-leaning participants demonstrated improved evaluative consistency using MBFC; however, ideological leanings still influenced outcomes. The study highlights the persistence of confirmation bias among trained individuals and underscores the complexity of achieving objective media evaluations. This work contributes to Media and Information Literacy by piloting a replicable framework for detecting bias in mainstream media and in individuals. While limited in scale, it offers valuable insights for future large-scale studies and educational interventions aimed at enhancing critical media consumption and reducing susceptibility to misinformation.