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 Capitol News Illinois as Left-Center Biased based on story selection, which moderately favors the left. We also rate them High in factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean 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
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit news service launched in 2019 that provides in-depth coverage of Illinois state government. According to its About Us page, it is a project of the Illinois Press Foundation and is staffed by veteran journalists who report from the State Capitol in Springfield. The outlet distributes content freely to newsrooms across Illinois, helping fill coverage gaps in statehouse reporting, especially for smaller local papers.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit organization supported by donations and institutional grants. The site is transparent about its funding and lists major supporters on its Our Donors page, which includes philanthropic organizations such as the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation. The outlet also accepts reader contributions via its Support Us page.
Analysis / Bias
Capitol News Illinois maintains a factual, policy-focused tone in its reporting, but leans slightly to the left in its story selection and framing. For instance, “Illinois lawmakers pass bill to raise age of senior driving tests” neutrally reports on bipartisan legislation using quotes from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, reflecting balanced straight-news reporting. However, stories like “What Trump’s cuts to federal climate research could mean for Illinois” frame the issue around concerns from scientific experts and Illinois Democrats without offering significant pro-cut or Republican counterpoints.
Similarly, the article “On May Day, thousands march for immigrant, labor, women and LGBTQ rights” gives space to progressive groups and their messaging while offering minimal critical framing or opposition perspectives. Though these stories are factually sound and responsibly sourced, the outlet tends to spotlight issues important to left-of-center constituencies more than conservative ones. Nonetheless, the site’s thorough reporting, lack of emotionally loaded language, and strong sourcing support a rating of High for factual reporting.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Capitol News Illinois as Left-Center Biased based on story selection, which moderately favors the left. We also rate them High in factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean check record. (D. Van Zandt 06/11/2024) Updated (06/16/2025)
Source: https://capitolnewsillinois.com/
Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources