Final answer:
The statement is false as journalistic ethics significantly impact media bias and play a crucial role in striving for unbiased, fact-based reporting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that journalistic ethics do not play a role in the bias of the media is false. Journalistic ethics are essential for maintaining credibility and trust in the media, and they strive to ensure that reporting is unbiased and fact-based.
Throughout the history of journalism, changes in the type of reporting, from partisan and yellow journalism to objective journalism, have influenced the level of bias in the media. Even with a commitment to objectivity, the framing of news stories and ownership of media outlets can introduce bias.
Furthermore, the practice of interpretive reporting and the role of the media as a gatekeeper in influencing public policy demonstrate the intricate relationship between journalistic practices and media bias.