LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.
- Overall, we rate the Bedford Independent as Least Biased based on minimal editorializing of news. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED (-0.5)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.0)
Country: United Kingdom
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The Bedford Independent is a UK-based local news outlet established to provide reliable, accessible news to residents of Bedford Borough. It focuses on town-level politics, public infrastructure, and community affairs. The site emphasizes independence and journalistic standards, and is a member of IMPRESS, the UK’s independent press regulator. All reporters are NCTJ-trained.
Read our profile on the UK Media and Government.
Funded by / Ownership
The Bedford Independent is owned by Progress Publishing Ltd, which also manages advertising and commercial operations for the site. The outlet is funded through advertising and reader donations, maintaining editorial independence. It is unaffiliated with any political party or corporate media network.
Analysis / Bias
The site provides local news coverage with detailed, well-sourced articles. For instance, its reporting on traffic disruption presents clear facts and official statements without opinion. Its political reporting on Council Tax reform includes balanced coverage from both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives.
A third article, “Conservatives blame Lib Dems’ tax-freeze obsession,” may appear to favor the Conservative argument through its headline, but the body presents full rebuttals from the Liberal Democrats. Overall, the site exhibits no consistent bias, although its political framing occasionally leans left-center when discussing issues such as social welfare and government accountability.
There is no national reporting, and the outlet does not feature traditional op-eds. Political statements are always attributed to officials, not the editorial team.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years.
Overall, we rate the Bedford Independent as Least Biased based on minimal editorializing of news. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record. (D. Van Zandt 07/06/2025)
Last Updated on July 6, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources