TCJE analyzed 226 news articles run by six Houston-area television stations between January 2015 and June 2021. While the primary focus of our analysis was bias against bond reform, we also reviewed 15 other key variables, such as referenced ‘experts’ and the defendant’s race or ethnicity. Our analysis reveals that many local media stations disproportionately publish biased articles in their reporting on bond. Each card below flips to offer top-line statistics and a link to further information.
KPRC
(NBC)
48% negatively biased coverage
51% of defendant articles featured
Black defendants
30% of covered defendants allegedly involved in homicide
KTRK
(ABC)
51% negatively biased coverage
50% of defendant articles featured
Black defendants
67% of covered defendants allegedly involved in homicide
KHOU
(CBS)
62% negatively biased coverage
59% of defendant articles featured
Black defendants
77% of covered defendants allegedly involved in homicide
KRIV
(FOX)
85% negatively biased coverage
55% of defendant articles featured
Black defendants
70% of covered defendants allegedly involved in homicide
KXLN
(Univision)
8% negatively biased coverage
8% of defendant articles featured
Black defendants
42% of covered defendants allegedly involved in homicide
KTMD
(Telemundo)
25% negatively biased coverage
50% of defendant articles featured
Black defendants
50% of covered defendants allegedly involved in homicide