For the Record': The Media Under the Microscope

As the Republican debate ended Wednesday, the debate over media bias was just heating up. The Republican National Committee claims CNBC failed to follow an agreed upon format that was to focus on the state of the economy. The candidates say they faced a series of attacks by the moderators — not questions.

While the claims of media bias in the post-debate commentaries border on outright anger and agitation, claims of liberal bias in journalism are nothing new.

According to a 2008 study from the Pew Research Institute, journalists were four times as likely to identify themselves as liberal than conservative. But as For the Record reveals, the cozy relationship between major news networks and the Obama White House goes beyond the news — it’s an ideological bond that has tarnished the free press in America.

Note: Since this short first aired, Ben Sherwood was promoted. He is now the co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group.