Final answer:
Yes, media companies do face problems with political bias. This bias is influenced by factors like ownership structures and advertising revenue pressures. The traditional separation between news reporting and opinion is also increasingly being blurred.
Step-by-step explanation:
Media companies do face the problem of political bias, which is a significant concern in today's society. This bias is often discussed in the context of media outlets having a liberal or conservative slant, affecting the way news is reported and which stories are given attention. Major news organizations, while striving for objectivity, are influenced by various factors including ownership structures, the quest for profit, and the need to satisfy advertisers who prefer positive contexts for their messages.
Discussing whether there is a true balance of power between the political arena and the public in terms of media's gatekeeping role, it's evident that the media influences which topics shape public policy. However, due to the diverse platforms and outlets, such as social media and independent online publications, there is a more complex and varied landscape for information dissemination today than in the past.
Overall, recent changes in media have led to a blending of reporting and editorial commentary, challenging the traditional separation maintained between news and opinion, which can further complicate perceptions of bias.