LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate progressive/liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor progressive/liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information, but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate the Athens County Independent as Left-Center biased based on political reporting and editorial positions that moderately favor the left. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-3.5)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.0)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Athens County Independent is a nonprofit news publication based in Athens County, Ohio. According to its about page, “We will be Athens County’s trusted, go-to news source, empowering all residents to drive change toward a more fair, connected and participatory community.”
Athens County Independent subscribes to the standards of editorial independence adopted by the Institute for Nonprofit News, which currently has 450 members. The Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) is a consortium founded in 2009 to support nonprofit journalism focused on investigative and public service reporting.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Athens County Independent is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by donations and grants.
Analysis / Bias
Athens County Independent engages in investigative journalism and community news reporting, often highlighting issues related to government transparency, social justice, and inequality concerns. Its reports focus on state politics and policy. Articles and headlines contain moderately loaded emotional language, such as this South siders decry proposed affordable housing project. Like most others, this story is thorough, relying on credible sources such as government documents and outlets like the Associated Press.
Editorially, story selection and opinion pieces, such as A word to fellow down-hearted progressives favor the left. They also promote social justice and environmental concerns, which are views favored by the left.
In general, the Athens County Independent is fact-based and holds moderately progressive viewpoints.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate the Athens County Independent as Left-Center biased based on political reporting and editorial positions that moderately favor the left. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record. (D. Van Zandt 12/13/2024) Updated (06/18/2025)
Source: https://athensindependent.com/
Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
Do you appreciate our work? Please consider one of the following ways to sustain us.
or
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources