Final answer:
Conservatives claim that the mainstream media has a liberal bias, selectively reports stories, and has a liberal slant, particularly regarding social issues. They also embrace conservative populism, which calls for government regulation of media to protect traditional values and 'ordinary' citizens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conservatives frequently claim that the mainstream media exhibits a liberal bias against their views. They argue that the media often presents a partisan slant in their storytelling, choosing which stories to report and framing those stories with a liberal perspective, especially on hot-button issues like abortion, gay rights, and religion. Additionally, with the rise of new media, individuals more commonly select content that aligns with their pre-existing views, further intensifying this perception of bias as conservative individuals can selectively consume media from outlets like Fox News which is known for its conservative approach.
Meanwhile, media organizations, in their pursuit of profits, may not provide in-depth coverage of government and public policy, focusing instead on content that will attract advertisers and profits. This environment fuels conservative populism, which is an ideology that seeks to regulate media and corporate elites in order to protect perceived traditional values and 'ordinary' citizens.