PRO-SCIENCE
These sources consist of legitimate science or are evidence-based through the use of credible scientific sourcing. Legitimate science follows the scientific method, is unbiased, and does not use emotional words. These sources also respect the consensus of experts in the given scientific field and strive to publish peer-reviewed science. Some sources in this category may have a slight political bias but adhere to scientific principles. See all Pro-Science sources.
- Overall, we rate Scientific American Pro-Science and Left-Center biased based on editorial positions that favor the left and through advocating for the consensus of science and properly sourcing scientific information.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Magazine
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Founded in 1845, Scientific American is an American popular science magazine. Many famous scientists, including Albert Einstein, have contributed articles in the past 175 years. They are the oldest monthly magazine in the United States.
On 9/15/2020, Scientific American endorsed Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Biden for President. This is the first time in their 175 year history that they have ever endorsed a candidate.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
Scientific American is owned by Springer Nature, an academic publishing company created by the May 2015 merger of Springer Science+Business Media and Holtzbrinck Publishing Group‘s Nature Publishing Group, Palgrave Macmillan, and Macmillan Education. The company reported revenues of €1.64 billion in 2017. Subscriptions and advertising fund the Magazine, while online advertisements and sponsored content fund the website.
Analysis / Bias
In review, Scientific American is a popular science magazine and website covering general science, technology, health, psychology, the environment, and history. Information is properly sourced and does not use loaded language. Scientific American covers science through the consensus on GMOs and climate change. Editorially, Scientific American is not in favor of former President Trump’s climate and deregulation stances. Evidenced by this: Scientific American slams Donald Trump’s anti-science rhetoric in a rare op-ed.
In general, this is a pro-science source that has remained mostly neutral in politics throughout its history; however, in 2020, they stated, “The evidence and the science show Donald Trump badly damaged the U.S. and its people—because he rejects evidence and science.” Therefore, this is a pro-science source that offers left-leaning opinions.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Scientific American Pro-Science and Left-Center biased based on editorial positions that favor the left and through advocating for the consensus of science and properly sourcing scientific information. (11/14/2016) Updated (D. Van Zandt 03/08/2024)
Last Updated on March 8, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources