Fact check: Is most media today left leaning in the US?

1. Summary of the results

The claim that most media today is left-leaning in the US is a topic of debate among various sources. According to AllSides Media Bias Chart ^[1], their rating system classifies outlets as Left, Lean Left, Center, Lean Right, or Right, but does not provide data indicating that the majority of media today fall on the left side of that spectrum. Similarly, Media Bias ^[2] explains that AllSides' rating system does not claim that most U.S. media outlets are left‑leaning. The Wikipedia article on Media bias in the United States ^[3] reports mixed evidence, with surveys showing many Americans and journalists perceive a liberal bias, but academic studies finding little net bias in coverage. Other sources, such as Five Key Insights Into Americans' Views of the News Media ^[4], highlight the strong partisan divide in media trust, which may contribute to the perception that most media is left-leaning. Additionally, U.S. journalists differ from the public in their views of ‘bothsidesism’ in journalism ^[5] notes that journalists' views on giving all sides equal coverage may impact the perceived leanings of the media. How The American Media Landscape is Polarizing the Country ^[6] suggests that the media landscape is driven by a desire for ratings and engagement rather than a deliberate attempt to promote a particular ideology. Right-wing alternative media in the United States ^[7] describes the significant presence of conservative media outlets, which could indicate that most media today is not left-leaning. The Political Gap in Americans’ News Sources ^[8] finds that Democrats and independents who lean Democratic are more likely to trust and use a wide range of major news sources, including those perceived as left-leaning, while Republicans tend to trust and use more conservative sources. AllSides | Balanced news via media bias ratings for an unbiased news perspective ^[9] provides balanced coverage of news stories from the left, center, and right, indicating the presence of diverse perspectives in media.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key missing context in the original statement is the definition of "left-leaning" and how it is measured. Different sources may have varying definitions and methods for determining media bias, which could lead to conflicting conclusions. For example, AllSides Media Bias Chart ^[1] uses surveys and expert reviews to rate outlets, while The Political Gap in Americans’ News Sources ^[8] looks at the news sources trusted and used by different demographic groups. Another missing context is the impact of social media on the media landscape, as discussed in How The American Media Landscape is Polarizing the Country ^[6], which suggests that social media platforms amplify misinformation and create "filter bubbles," further exacerbating polarization. Alternative viewpoints, such as the presence of conservative media outlets ^[7] and the diverse perspectives in media ^[9], should also be considered when evaluating the claim that most media today is left-leaning. Additionally, the partisan divide in media trust ^[4] and journalists' views on 'bothsidesism' ^[5] are important factors to consider when assessing the perceived leanings of the media.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be influenced by confirmation bias, where individuals seek out and give more weight to information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs about media bias. This bias may be driven by partisan interests, where individuals or groups with a particular political agenda may promote the idea that most media is left-leaning to further their own goals. For example, Republicans may benefit from the perception that most media is left-leaning, as it can be used to justify their distrust of mainstream media and promote alternative, conservative sources. On the other hand, Democrats may also benefit from the perception that most media is left-leaning, as it can be used to justify their support for mainstream media and promote their own political agenda. Additionally, media outlets themselves may benefit from the perception of media bias, as it can be used to attract viewers and readers who share their perspective. Overall, it is essential to consider multiple sources and evaluate the evidence carefully to avoid perpetuating misinformation or bias. AllSides Media Bias Chart ^[1] and The Political Gap in Americans’ News Sources ^[8] provide valuable insights into the complexities of media bias and the importance of considering diverse perspectives.