Though many factors contribute to the imbalance in coverage of bond, the use and selection of ‘expert’ references is particularly revealing. The most commonly quoted sources in bond articles are individuals and groups that have a stake in the criminal legal process against defendants; these references often explicitly voice opposition towards bond reform. Each card below flips to offer top-line statistics and a link to further information.
Kim Ogg
Harris County District Attorney
Referenced in 14 articles
(6% of sample)
71% of articles negatively biased
Art Acevedo
Former Houston Police Chief
Referenced in 35 articles
(15% of sample)
77% of articles negatively biased
Crime Stoppers
Referenced in 76 articles
(34% of sample)
99% of articles negatively biased
Harris County District Attorney's Office
Referenced in 55 articles
(24% of sample)
60% of articles negatively biased
Law Enforcement
Referenced in 141 articles
(62% of sample)
52% of articles negatively biased