North County Republican Club Talks Media Bias

To discuss the topic of bias in the media, the North County Republican Club (NCRC) heard from a guest speaker who knows a few things about the industry — a newspaper editor.

On Thursday night, the NCRC hosted Rick Hutzell, editor of The Maryland Gazette, who talked about how print newspapers fit in an ever-changing digital industry, as well as the role of bias in the media.

"It's not as pleasant [digital media], I'd rather be sitting in a nice chair with a newspaper," said Hutzell.

But he did concede that the industry is becoming increasingly digital, and that it's important to embrace the change. Hutzell pointed to his newspaper's newly-launched website, as well as talks to develop a mobile app as evidence of their transition.

Eventually, he got to the main topic of conversation, which was the role of bias in the media.

Hutzell said he views the Gazette as a paper that sits pretty much in the center.

"I'm pleased because both Republicans and Democrats think we're biased, which means we must be doing something right," said Hutzell.

He also said that some complaints arise not necessarily by the content of the paper's stories, but rather what kind of stories are covered.

"Usually complaints don't come from the way we do stories, but from the type of stories we do," said Hutzell.

While the paper's news content does drive some complaints, Hutzell explained that most accusations of bias are about a section of the paper that is devoted purely to taking a stance on issues — the opinion page.

"The editorial section attracts much of the complaints of bias," said Hutzell. "There will be times when we write an editorial and it makes you mad, and that's what we want, to have an impact on our readers."

But he also explained that the editorial page is now open to guest columnists, in an effort to attract differing viewpoints. Hutzell says the new system has already attracted people like Delegate Don Dwyer, a conservative Anne Arundel County Republican.

Once the talk was opened up for questions, some in the audience had problems with the fact that the paper issues endorsements. Brenda Yarema, president of the club, said that choosing candidates should be a personal decision, and that she would rather see a paper simply provide information about candidates.

While Hutzell explained that they do offer information about those running for office, he was unapologetic in his response.

"It's not an attempt to influence the public, it's who we think would be the best," said Hutzell. "Take it or leave it."

However, more broadly, Hutzell said that regardless of bias, it's important for people of all viewpoints to keep a dialogue open.

"We've reached a point in this society that if we disagree, we stop talking to each other," said Hutzell.