Methodology
Understanding how we assess media bias and press freedom
Free Press Score (0-100)
Our Free Press Score is a composite metric that aggregates three key dimensions of media quality and independence. Each dimension is weighted equally in the final calculation.
Fact-Check Accuracy (33%)
Measures the outlet's track record of factual reporting based on independent fact-checking organizations including PolitiFact, FactCheck.org, and Snopes. We analyze the percentage of stories that contain verifiable facts, the rate of corrections issued, and ratings from third-party fact-checkers.
Editorial Independence (33%)
Assesses the degree of separation between ownership, advertisers, and editorial decisions. We examine ownership structure, funding sources, documented instances of editorial interference, and the presence of independent editorial boards. State-controlled media receives lower scores.
Transparency (33%)
Evaluates how openly the outlet discloses its ownership, funding, conflicts of interest, and editorial processes. We look for clear disclosure of sponsored content, accessibility of corrections and retractions, and transparency about methodology and sources.
Bias Score (-2 to +2)
Our bias assessment measures the political lean of editorial content and news coverage on a five-point scale. This is not a judgment of quality, but rather an assessment of ideological positioning.
Far Left-1.5 to -0.5
Left-0.5 to 0.5
Center0.5 to 1.5
Right1.5 to 2.0
Far Right
Assessment Methodology
- •Content Analysis: We analyze word choice, story selection, source usage, and framing across hundreds of articles
- •Source Attribution: Examination of which sources are quoted and how frequently different perspectives are presented
- •Editorial Positioning: Review of opinion pieces, editorial board positions, and public statements
- •Third-Party Assessments: We incorporate ratings from AllSides, Media Bias/Fact Check, and academic media studies
Accountability Metrics
We track concrete actions that demonstrate accountability and transparency, including:
Retractions & Corrections
Documented instances where the outlet acknowledged and corrected errors in their reporting
Legal Cases
Active and settled lawsuits for defamation, misinformation, or privacy violations
Controversies & Scandals
Major incidents involving journalistic ethics, editorial interference, or public trust
Data Sources
Our assessments are compiled from multiple independent sources including:
AllSides Media Bias Ratings
Media Bias/Fact Check
Reporters Without Borders
Freedom House
PolitiFact
FactCheck.org
Important Disclaimer
Our ratings represent an aggregation of available data and third-party assessments. Media bias analysis is inherently subjective, and reasonable people may disagree with specific ratings. We encourage users to read from multiple sources across the political spectrum and to consult original sources when possible. Our goal is to promote media literacy and informed news consumption, not to serve as the sole arbiter of media quality.