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I have been thinking a lot about the what do we do about the media bias problem. While the ideas suggested here are good, there is a step “A” that is missing.

I am for free speech. I prefer a positive approach (providing alternatives that solve problems) rather than a negative approach (giving up). I believe that Government should not be involved in controlling free speech. I also believe that there should be transparency between what a news organization says they are (non-biased)and what they really report.

I propose a news media rating system based on the model in use by the Motion Picture Association of America in rating movies. Every TV news organization, Newspaper, radio station, blogger, etc. could register to become a member. There would be two ways to register:
1. Partisan. For a small fee (to cover expenses) and the submission of a position statement anyone could register as a partisan. The position statement would be available for anyone to view on the organization's website. Talk radio like Rush, Hannity, Air America would fall into this category. Web-based partisan sites like Free Republic, Democratic Underground etc. would also fall into this category.
2. Journalistic News. To be certified in this category a news organization would open themselves up to scrutiny from the Association. This could be in the form of an “A-F” rating scale in terms of bias. The rank would appear as an icon on TV or web or print, or an announcement on the radio. Even the reporters could all be ranked by bias (most biased to least). The organization could contract with organizations like MRC and FAIR to provide evidence for the rating. Perhaps the political parties could appoint members to the review board.

With this scale, when people are reading, watching, or listening to a news program, they would know whether it is partisan or journalism. They could find out either the political position or the relative amount of bias of the source.

Once this idea is further developed and ready, then the steps outlined in the articles would help put it in place. News organizations could be boycotted and protested until they join. Political figures could refuse to be interviewed or appear on a broadcast until the news organization join.

I believe that both conservatives and liberals could support this idea. I believe this supports free speech. This keeps the government out of it.