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One of the clever ways that some print reporters express their bias in a subtle fashion is the counterpoint.

The counterpoint is not always used but it can be a very useful tool to frame opinion because it often is the last thought that the reader is left with when they finish the article. A well placed counterpoint can make the reader doubt what has been said in the rest of the article.

For example, if we are assigned to write non editorial, factual articles about candidate X (who we support) and candidate Y (who we do not), we could intentionally or unconciously insert a counterpoint at the end of the article about candidate Y.

Here is a rough example of how it's done..

"Candidate X, running for 9th district representative has 15 years of experience in public service. blah, blah blah, yadda, yadda, yadda. X strongly supports baseball, mom and apple pie. John Doe, Candidate X's spokesperson says that X eagerly looks forward to serving the needs of their constituents."

"Candidate Y, running for 9th district representative has 15 years of experience in public service. blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda. Y strongly supports baseball, mom and apple pie. However, John Doe a spokesperson for Candidate Y's opponent, says that Candidate Y's past record seems to indicate that he actually supports football, dad and muffins."

My examples are not the greatest but hopefully they illustrate how to similar blurbs can convey very different messages by the inclusion of a counterpoint at the end of one.