Product Overview: Media Bias/Fact Check
Introduction
Media Bias/Fact Check (MBFC) is an independent website founded in 2015 by Dave M. Van Zandt, dedicated to promoting awareness of media bias and misinformation. The platform provides comprehensive evaluations of the bias, factual accuracy, and credibility of a vast array of media sources.
Key Features and Functionality
Bias and Factual Reporting Ratings
MBFC assesses media outlets using a multi-faceted approach that includes several key categories:
- Bias Ratings: Sources are evaluated on a bias scale that includes categories such as “extreme-left,” “left,” “left-center,” “least biased,” “right-center,” “right,” and “extreme-right.” This assessment is now conducted using a weighted scoring system that considers dimensions such as economic systems, social values, straight news reporting balance, and editorial bias.
- Factual Reporting Ratings: The factual reporting score is derived from four weighted categories: Failed Fact Checks, Sourcing, Transparency, and One-Sidedness/Omission. Each category is scored on a scale of 0–10, with the weighted average determining the overall factuality rating.
Methodology
As of 2025, MBFC has updated its methodology to use a comprehensive, weighted scoring system. This approach aims to systematically assess media outlets’ ideological bias and factual reliability. The methodology includes:
- Objective Indicators: Despite bias being inherently subjective, MBFC uses objective indicators to approximate and represent bias.
- Detailed Reports: Each evaluated source is accompanied by a detailed report explaining the source’s characteristics and the reasoning behind its bias and factual reporting ratings.
Credibility Scoring
The credibility of a media source is assessed using a 10-point scale, prioritizing Factual Reporting, followed by Bias, and then Traffic/Longevity. Additional factors such as Press Freedom in countries with significant censorship are also considered. Sources are categorized into High, Medium, or Low Credibility based on their overall score.
Coverage and Scope
MBFC provides ratings for over 8,000 media sources, making it one of the most extensive databases for assessing media credibility and bias. The platform is widely used by researchers, educational institutions, and major media outlets.
Tools and Resources
- Lateral Reading: MBFC is recommended as a tool for lateral reading, where users can verify information by consulting external evaluations of a source. This helps in contextualizing and verifying the credibility of news sources.
- Data Collection: The platform’s data can be collected and standardized using tools available on GitHub, facilitating research and analysis of media bias and factual accuracy.
Independence and Transparency
MBFC is 100% independent and human-driven, relying on a collective of volunteers and paid contractors for research. The site is financially independent, supported in part by third-party advertising, and is frequently referenced by reputable news organizations and academic institutions.
Usage and Impact
Media Bias/Fact Check is utilized in various contexts:
- Research and Studies: It has been used in scientific studies on misinformation, media bias, and fact-checking, showing high agreement with other independent fact-checking datasets.
- Educational Institutions: The platform is a resource in libraries, high schools, and universities across the United States for teaching media literacy and critical thinking.
- Mainstream Media: MBFC is trusted and frequently referenced by major media outlets such as USA Today, Reuters Fact Check, and NPR.
In summary, Media Bias/Fact Check is a valuable tool for assessing the credibility and bias of media sources, providing a systematic and transparent approach to evaluating the factual accuracy and ideological alignment of news outlets.