Daily Source Bias Check: Popular Mechanics

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 Popular Science Pro-Science based on proper scientific sourcing of information and balanced story selection. We also rate them High for a clean fact check record.

Detailed Report

Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
World Press Freedom Rank: USA 45/180

History

Founded in 1902, Popular Mechanics is a magazine of popular technology, featuring automotive, home, outdoor, electronics, science, do-it-yourself, and technology topics. Military topics, aviation, and transportation of all types, space, tools, and gadgets. The current editor is Alexander George.

In 2020, Popular Mechanics was criticized for showing how to vandalize monuments.

Read our profile on United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

Popular Mechanics is owned by Hearst Communications, which owns newspapers, magazines, television channels, and television stations, including the San Francisco Chronicle, the Houston Chronicle, and Esquire. According to Open Secrets, Hearst has donated 70% to Republican candidates and causes in 2020. Revenue is derived through advertising and subscription fees.

Analysis / Bias

In review, Popular Mechanics covers a wide range of science and technology with minimal use of loaded language such as This Experimental Drone Could Change America’s War Strategy. This story like all others is properly sourced. Other stories cover math such as This Guy Says He Solved the Most Controversial Open Problem in Math. While Popular Mechanics does not take strong political stances they often frame President Trump negatively such as this Trump Ordered Low-Flying Military Helicopters to Stop D.C. Protesters. In general, Popular Science is not a hard science magazine that is factual and minimizes bias in reporting.

Failed Fact Checks

• None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate Popular Science Pro-Science based on proper scientific sourcing of information and balanced story selection. We also rate them High for a clean fact check record. (D. Van Zandt 8/24/2016) Updated (7/11/2020)

Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/