Page "Media bias" Paragraph 93

According to the Encyclopedia of Social Work ( 19th edition ), the news media play an influential role in the general public's perception of cults.

As reported in several studies, the media have depicted cults as problematic, controversial, and threatening from the beginning, tending to favor sensationalistic stories over balanced public debates ( Beckford, 1985 ; Richardson, Best, & Bromley, 1991 ; Victor, 1993 ).

It furthers the analysis that media reports on cults rely heavily on police officials and cult " experts " who portray cult activity as dangerous and destructive, and when divergent views are presented, they are often overshadowed by horrific stories of ritualistic torture, sexual abuse, mind control, etc.

Furthermore, unfounded allegations, when proved untrue, receive little or no media attention.