CivilNet - Bias and Credibility - Media Bias/Fact Check

LEFT-CENTER BIAS

These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.

Overall, we rate CivilNet as Left-Center Biased due to its consistent focus on democratic reform, human rights, and government accountability. We rate its reporting as Mostly Factual due to its generally credible content and membership in international fact-checking networks. However, transparency is reduced by limited donor disclosure and inconsistent source attribution.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-3.0)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (2.6)
Country: Armenia
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MODERATE FREEDOM
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

CivilNet was founded in 2011 by the Civilitas Foundation, which was established in 2008 by Armenia’s former Foreign Minister, Vartan Oskanian. It operates as an online television and news platform, producing programs and analysis on Armenian politics, society, and regional affairs.

In December 2021, the outlet launched CivilNetCheck, a fact-checking division created to identify misinformation and promote verified reporting. Since March 2023, CivilNetCheck has been a member of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

Read our profile on the Armenian media and government.

Funded by / Ownership

CivilNet is operated by the Civilitas Foundation, a nonprofit founded by former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian. The foundation lists USAID among its past funders, though current donor details are limited. CivilNet’s site claims funding transparency, but its ‘Մեր մասին’ section does not provide a current breakdown of donors or funding sources.

Analysis / Bias

CivilNet focuses on human rights, democracy, regional peace, and diaspora issues as stated on its About page.

The outlet is a verified member of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), a former partner of Meta for fact-checking.

Coverage often highlights democratic integrity and institutional independence. For example, “I Am the Government”: Pashinyan’s One-Man Rule Threatens Democratic Consolidation” criticizes Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s consolidation of power, reflecting the outlet’s focus on civil liberties and checks on executive authority.

Opinion content is clearly labeled. In “Armenia Must Redefine Its National Interests”, founder Vartan Oskanian calls for redefining Armenia’s post-war priorities through diplomacy, security, and reconciliation. His commentary is assertive and policy-driven, distinctly separated from news coverage.

Regarding sourcing, CivilNet cites local and regional outlets, such as Infocom.am and Azatutyun (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Armenian Service), in its political reporting. However, many articles lack direct hyperlinks to their sources, which reduces transparency and verification. Some local outlets cited have unclear editorial standards, resulting in uneven sourcing quality despite CivilNet’s overall factual tone.

Failed Fact Checks

None in the Last 5 years. They are an IFCN fact checker.

Overall, we rate CivilNet as Left-Center Biased due to its consistent focus on democratic reform, human rights, and government accountability. We rate its reporting as Mostly Factual due to its generally credible content and membership in international fact-checking networks. However, transparency is reduced by limited donor disclosure and inconsistent source attribution. (M. Huitsing 10/08/2025)

Source: https://www.civilnet.am/

Last Updated on October 8, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check