Belly of the Beast is rated Left with Mostly Factual factual reporting by Media Bias Fact Check.
LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderate to strongly biased toward liberal/progressive causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using an appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage liberal/progressive causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate Belly of the Beast Left biased based on its openly progressive values, anti-embargo stance, and strong criticism of U.S. policy toward Cuba. We rate it Mostly Factual due to transparent funding, clear editorial mission, labeled opinion content, and generally sourced reporting, offset by advocacy framing and limited critical balance regarding the Cuban government.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT (-6.7)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (3.0)
Country: USA
MBFC Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Belly of the Beast is a documentary journalism and film project focused on Cuba and U.S.-Cuba relations. According to its Vision page, the project was created to challenge what it views as incomplete or distorted coverage of Cuba by both Cuban state media and U.S.-based outlets. Belly of the Beast describes its model as a collaboration between Cuban and U.S.-based journalists and filmmakers.
The outlet states that its work has appeared in or been featured by outlets including The New York Review of Books, The Hill, The Nation, ESPN, USA Today, NPR, Democracy Now!, and the Miami New Times. Its stated focus is investigative journalism, people-centered storytelling, and nuanced reporting on Cuba, with particular emphasis on the impact of U.S. policy.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Belly of the Beast states that it does not represent any government, does not receive funds directly or indirectly from any government, and does not work for corporations or billionaires. It says editorial decisions are independent. Funding comes through Patreon, direct donations, and tax-deductible donations through the Center for Independent Documentary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit fiscal sponsor.
The outlet is transparent about its progressive values and acknowledges that while its journalistic methods aim to be objective, the organization itself is not neutral. This transparency strengthens credibility, though the site’s advocacy orientation should be considered when evaluating coverage.
Analysis / Bias
Belly of the Beast is Left biased based on its openly progressive values, anti-sanctions framing, strong criticism of U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba, and generally sympathetic presentation of Cuba’s social systems, including healthcare, international medical missions, and social justice programs. The outlet explicitly states that progressive values guide its work and that its primary watchdog focus is on powerful forces in the United States.
For example, U.S. Policy Causes Cuba’s Blackouts. U.S. Citizens Bring Solar Panels for Pregnant Women argues that U.S. sanctions and oil restrictions contribute to Cuba’s energy crisis and harm maternal care. The article highlights MEDICC’s Light for Life campaign and Cuban maternity homes. The framing is strongly anti-embargo and sympathetic to Cuba’s public health system, but it includes named people, organizations, and a clear policy context.
In Fact-Checking the Flimsy Case for Trump’s Economic War on Cuba, the outlet critiques Trump administration claims that Cuba poses a national security threat, hosts foreign spy bases, supports terrorism, destabilizes the region, violates human rights, or spreads communism. The article strongly argues against U.S. policy and frequently frames U.S. actions as hypocritical. It cites government claims, U.S. policy documents, public reporting, intelligence-related statements, State Department material, and historical examples. While the piece is advocacy-driven, it is structured as a rebuttal to specific claims.
Similarly, The Embargo on Cuba Doesn’t Represent American Values. But Visiting Cuba Does! is clearly labeled opinion. The article argues that the U.S. embargo harms Cubans, Cuban Americans, scientific exchange, tourism, and environmental cooperation. It reflects a strongly anti-embargo viewpoint but is transparently presented as an opinion piece by Fernando Bretos, a marine conservation scientist with long experience working in Cuba.
Overall, Belly of the Beast is transparent about its perspective and does not pretend to be politically neutral. Its reporting is generally grounded in identifiable policy disputes, interviews, documentary work, and named sources. However, its coverage strongly emphasizes U.S. responsibility for Cuba’s hardships and is less focused on scrutiny of the Cuban government’s authoritarianism, censorship, political repression, and economic mismanagement. This one-sided emphasis supports a Left bias rating and prevents a High factual rating, despite generally credible sourcing.
Failed Fact Checks
- None found by IFCN-approved fact-checkers.
Overall, we rate Belly of the Beast Left biased based on its openly progressive values, anti-embargo stance, and strong criticism of U.S. policy toward Cuba. We rate it Mostly Factual due to transparent funding, clear editorial mission, labeled opinion content, and generally sourced reporting, offset by advocacy framing and limited critical balance regarding the Cuban government. (D. Van Zandt 07/13/2026)
Source: https://www.bellyofthebeastcuba.com/
Last Updated on July 13, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check
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