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 Car and Driver as least biased and highly factual, with their reporting driven more by industry-centric perspectives than overt political inclinations.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: United States
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Magazine
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Car and Driver, an automotive magazine established in 1955 as Sports Cars Illustrated, is a leading publication by Hearst Magazines focused on the automotive industry. Renowned for in-depth car reviews, investigative features, and industry analysis, the magazine covers new car releases, performance tests, and car culture trends and helps readers make informed car-buying decisions. Its headquarters are situated at 1585 Eisenhower Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
Car and Driver magazine is owned by Hearst Magazines, who acquired Car and Driver from Hachette Filipacchi Media in 2011. Revenue is generated through subscriptions, affiliate marketing, and advertisements.
Analysis / Bias
Car and Driver, known for its automotive news, reviews, and testing, occasionally intersects with political subjects, especially when reporting on government regulations and environmental initiatives. Their primary focus remains automotive, with a generally non-political stance. However, the nature of automotive journalism inevitably involves political elements.
Examining Car and Driver’s approach to government initiatives, such as the Biden administration’s expansion of the EV charging networks, we see articles that lean towards a positive portrayal of these initiatives. For instance, articles like “U.S. to Expand EV Charging Network, Aiming for 500K Public Chargers by 2030” and “More EV Chargers Coming” focus on the logistical and financial aspects of the plan, citing sources like White House press releases and energy.gov, and refrain from using emotionally loaded language. This approach is fact-based and objective.
Car and Driver’s piece “Trump vs. Automakers, and What’s the Deal with Their Bizarre Fuel-Economy Fight” thoroughly examines the Trump administration’s policies on fuel economy standards. The article covers the complexities and controversies of these policies, focusing on automakers’ dilemmas in balancing environmental goals with economic realities, and appears more centered on the auto industry’s challenges rather than directly commenting on Trump’s policies. Regarding sourcing, the article references sources such as Reuters.
In general, the article maintains a relatively neutral and informative stance. While it addresses the complexities and impacts of the Trump administration’s policies, it doesn’t overtly display bias. Instead, it aims to explain the multifaceted nature of the issue, including the perspectives and challenges of different stakeholders involved.
In summary, Car and Driver’s reporting on the Biden administration’s electric vehicle initiatives may have a slightly positive tone, but their overall approach is informative and neutral. On the other hand, their coverage of Trump administration policies in the automotive industry tends to be more critical, reflecting the controversial nature of these policies instead of any inherent bias of the publication. Car and Driver prioritizes industry trends and impacts, focusing less on political leanings and more on developments and challenges in the automotive sector.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Car and Driver as least biased and highly factual, with their reporting driven more by industry-centric perspectives than overt political inclinations. (M. Huitsing 01/16/2024)
Source: caranddriver.com
Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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