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 Bright Line Watch as Left-Center Biased due to the emphasis on anti-democratic trends associated with conservative leadership and its consistent publication in left-leaning media. However, it earns a High factual rating due to its transparent, evidence-based research practices and open data.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-3.6)
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
Bright Line Watch is a U.S.-based academic initiative launched in 2017 by political scientists from Dartmouth College, the University of Rochester, and the University of Chicago. It was formed in response to growing concerns about democratic backsliding in the United States. The group monitors the status of American democracy through expert and public surveys and publishes peer-reviewed and data-driven reports. The organization is based in New Hampshire through its affiliation with Dartmouth College.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Bright Line Watch is operated as an academic nonprofit initiative and does not accept advertising or commercial sponsorship. It receives financial support from philanthropic and academic sources. Named funders include:
- Democracy Fund
- The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
- Wilhelm Merck
- The Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy and the Social Sciences at Dartmouth College
Analysis / Bias
Bright Line Watch conducts empirical research on U.S. democratic norms, election integrity, and institutional trust. Their work is transparent and non-sensational, and they publish replication data and methods for scholarly review.
While the group does not publish editorials, the framing of its findings often emphasizes threats to democracy from right-wing populism, particularly the Trump administration. For instance, the article “Accelerated Transgressions in the Second Trump Presidency” highlights increased authoritarian behaviors, as evaluated by experts. This has led to broader amplification by left-leaning outlets. Bright Line Watch’s media coverage includes stories and citations in:
While the group’s work is academically grounded and methodologically sound, the consistent focus on threats from conservative political actors contributes to a Left-Center bias classification.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Bright Line Watch as Left-Center Biased due to the emphasis on anti-democratic trends associated with conservative leadership and its consistent publication in left-leaning media. However, it earns a High factual rating due to its transparent, evidence-based research practices and open data. (D. Van Zandt 04/22/2025)
Source: https://brightlinewatch.org/
Last Updated on April 22, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources