Accuracy in Media (AIM) is a non-profit organization, which was
             founded in 1969 by Reed Irvine, with the objective of working towards
             "fairness, balance, and accuracy in news reporting." Indeed, the
             organization's objective is clearly reflected in its very name, as well as
             in its mission statement, which reads, "Accuracy in Media is a non-profit,
             grassroots citizens watchdog of the news media that critiques botched and
             bungled news stories and sets the record straight on important issues that
             have received slanted coverage." (Accuracy in Media, 2004)
             Prima facie, the name Accuracy in Media indicates either an industry
             initiative to self-regulate its practices or a body set up by government to
             protect citizen's interests. In point of fact, however, it is a non-profit
             organization that subsists on fund-raising efforts and the patronage of
             private donors such as the Sarah Scaife Foundation and the Carthage
             Foundation (Media Transparency). Quite obviously, if the organization has
             been able to survive and even thrive since 1969 on donations and fund
             raising efforts, it has succeeded in somewhat gaining the trust of the
             public as well as elite foundations such as the ones mentioned earlier.
             Browsing through the AIM Web site, it is evident that one method by
             which the organization has been able to gain public confidence is by its
             own media relations program. Reed Irvine, its Chairman Emeritus, for
             instance, writes a syndicated column, and does a daily radio commentary. In
             addition, Reed Irvine seems to regularly appear on prime media programs
             such as Nightline, Nightwatch, Good Morning America, and The Larry King
             Show. Then, of course, there is the organization's own list of
             publications such as Media Monitor, AIM Columns, AIM Report, Briefings,
             Special Reports, and Guest Columns; all of which appear to be geared
             towards correcting biases in news reporting (Accuracy in Med...