Bias In The News - The Death Of Billy Mays

Bias In The News

Billy Mays

Article 1 Autopsy: Cocaine Contributed To Billy Mays’ Death

In this article, Billy Mays’ death is said to be his own fault. There is bias in the headline suggesting that Mays used cocaine, and was therefore a bad person. Further, it is reported that he had last used the drug in the few days prior to his death, as well as various prescription painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs. The bias behind these facts gives the reader the impression that Billy Mays was a “druggie”. The article goes on to explain the heart condition that caused Mays' death, and how that condition is very similar to several caused by prolonged cocaine use. A spokeswoman is quoted as not being able to indicate the frequency of his cocaine use, but does state that although he was not under its influence at the time of his death, Mays had used cocaine in the few days prior to his heart failure. The article also includes information about other prescription drugs such as therapeutic amounts of painkillers hydrocodone, oxycodone and tramadol, as well as anti-anxiety drugs alprazolam and diazepam, which also suggests to the reader that Billy Mays may have had a drug use problem.

Article 2 Billy Mays Dies After US Airways Flight — Is There a Link?

In the second article, a TV news reporter is blaming the death on an airline. The author is suggesting that Billy Mays' death was caused  by an emergency landing on a US Airways flight the day before he was found dead. During this rough landing, carry-on baggage from the luggage racks came loose and a piece of it hit Mays on the head. Although none of the passengers or crew were injured, this article seems to suggest that Mays being hit on the head may have something to do with his passing. There isn't much evidence to back it up but the airway reports that he was not wearing his seat belt when the airplane's front tires blew out. Is US Air to blame for faulty equipment?

Article 3 Legendary Pitchman Billy Mays' Death Today Leaves Fans, Friends Stunned

The last article says that Billy Mays' death was a very unfortunate event, but points no fingers. It talks about how he became an internationally known celebrity because of his energetic infomercials and well known products, and expresses a lot of remorse over the death of this legend. The article interviews Mays' longtime business partner and good friend Anthony Sullivan as he gives highlights of Mays' career and reminisces over good times, and is quoted as saying that Mays was "the best friend a man could wish for - he was much more than people knew". The article makes the reader feel sad about Billy's death and sorry for the loss his friends, family, and fans experienced with his death.