RIGHT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports and omit reporting of information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate the Alabama Policy Institute as right-biased based on editorial and advocacy positions that align with conservative-libertarian principles. We also rate them as Mostly Factual in reporting due to generally one-sided reporting that does not fully represent opposing viewpoints.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT (6.7)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (3.8)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
The Alabama Policy Institute (API) was established in 1989 as the Alabama Family Alliance by co-founders Tom Parker and Gary Palmer. Initially focused on family-centered issues, the organization expanded its scope and rebranded as the Alabama Policy Institute in 2000. Over the years, API has positioned itself as a conservative think tank dedicated to influencing public policy in Alabama, emphasizing free markets, limited government, and strong families. In January 2023, Stephanie Smith was appointed as the third President and CEO of API.
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Funded by / Ownership
API operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan educational and research organization. As a non-profit entity, it relies on donations and grants to fund its operations. In 2021, API provided over $1 million in funding to 1819 News, a media outlet it founded, though the two organizations formally separated on December 31, 2022.
Specific details about API’s current funding sources and ownership structure are not publicly disclosed. However research indicates The Alabama Policy Institute (API) is an affiliate member of the State Policy Network (SPN), which has received funding from fossil fuel interests, suggesting a potential indirect connection to such industries.
Analysis / Bias
API’s mission is to improve the lives of Alabamians through public policy that honors the principles of free markets, limited government, and strong families.
The organization has been involved in various policy areas, including fiscal responsibility, education reform, and social issues. For instance, API has opposed Medicaid expansion in Alabama, citing concerns over long-term economic impacts. Additionally, API is a member of the advisory board for Project 2025, an initiative organized by The Heritage Foundation aimed at reshaping the federal government based on conservative principles.
API’s economic stance aligns with classical liberalism with moderate to high corporatism and lower regulations. On social issues, API’s positions correspond to traditional conservatism with strong support for religious or traditional family values. In terms of editorial bias, the organization’s publications often support right-leaning views with emotionally charged language: API fighting to protect overtime tax cut for those ‘trying to work a little harder’ in Alabama.
In general, The Alabama Policy Institute is a conservative think tank advocating for policies centered on free markets, limited government, and traditional family values. While it provides in-depth policy analyses and research, its publications exhibit a strong right-leaning bias, often presenting conservative perspectives with limited representation of opposing viewpoints.
Failed Fact Checks
- There are no documented failed fact checks for the Alabama Policy Institute from credible third-party organizations within the past five years.
Overall, we rate the Alabama Policy Institute as right-biased based on editorial and advocacy positions that align with conservative-libertarian principles. We also rate them as Mostly Factual in reporting due to generally one-sided reporting that does not fully represent opposing viewpoints. (D. Van Zandt 02/17.2025)
Source: https://alabamapolicy.org/
Last Updated on August 7, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources