AlterNet – Bias and Credibility

These media sources are moderate to strongly biased toward liberal causes through story selection and/or political affiliation.  They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.

• Overall, we rate AlterNet as left-biased based on editorial and advocacy positions that favor a progressive perspective. We also rate them as high for factual reporting due to their strong sourcing practices, making them a reliable platform for progressive viewpoints.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEFT (-6.9)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.8)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

AlterNet, founded in 1998, is a progressive media outlet that covers topics including U.S. politics, economy, social justice, and environmental issues. The platform is known for its critical stance on corporate media and conservative politics, promoting progressive values through advocacy journalism. AlterNet is headquartered in Washington, D.C. 

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

AlterNet Media, Inc. publishes AlterNet, funded primarily through online advertising and reader donations. Raw Story Media owns AlterNet, which it acquired in 2018 from partners John Byrne and Michael Rogers.

Analysis / Bias

AlterNet presents a left-leaning bias, favoring progressive causes such as civil rights, environmental protection, sustainability, economic equality, healthcare reform, and social justice. The site often critiques conservative figures and policies, using emotionally loaded language. Regarding sourcing, AlterNet regularly cites outlets like The New York Times, NBC News, ProPublica, and Mother Jones, which adds to its credibility despite its editorial slant.

For example, in an article critiquing JD Vance and his alliance with Donald Trump, AlterNet uses emotionally loaded language such as”paranoia” to frame their rhetoric as irrational. While the article is critical of both Vance and Trump, it supports its stance with credible sources such as Mother Jones.

Similarly, AlterNet’s coverage of Biden’s involvement in California politics portrays him positively, focusing on his progressive achievements in climate action and economic recovery. The article cites CNN and KGO – ABC7 News to support its claims, aligning with the site’s progressive perspective.

In terms of environmental coverage, an example is their article on the Himalayan glaciers, referencing a report from ICIMOD. The article discusses the melting of glaciers due to climate change, presenting a fact-based narrative supported by scientific research. This reflects AlterNet’s shift toward more fact-based discussions on climate change and environmental sustainability, distancing itself from previous content related to pseudoscientific claims.

AlterNet’s older coverage, particularly from 2016, featured anti-GMO content, reflecting skepticism toward genetically modified organisms. However, in recent years, the site’s environmental reporting has shifted towards fact-based discussions around food security, climate change, and agricultural reform. 

AlterNet remains a left-leaning publication promoting progressive causes and conservative policy critiques. Although it has faced criticism for older pseudoscientific content, its recent reporting has shifted toward credible, fact-based discussions around climate and food security.

Failed Fact Checks

• None in the last five years.

Overall, we rate AlterNet as left-biased based on editorial and advocacy positions that favor a progressive perspective. We also rate them as high for factual reporting due to their strong sourcing practices, making them a reliable platform for progressive viewpoints. (5/13/2016) Updated (M. Huitsing 12/28/2024)

Source: https://www.alternet.org/