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 using appeal 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 Complex Left-Center Biased based on political story selection that favors the left. We also rate the Mostly Factual in reporting rather than High due to a lack of transparency.
Detailed Report
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Country: USA
World Press Freedom Rank: USA 45/180
History
Founded in 2002, Complex was an entertainment and lifestyle print magazine until 2016. Since 2016, they have resided online at compex.com. Complex covers Music, Style, Pop Culture, Sports, Life, Sneakers, and Shows. The website lacks transparency as they do not provide an about page, name editors, or clearly disclose ownership.
Read our profile on United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
Complex indicates at the bottom of pages that they are owned by Complex Media, however, they do not state that Complex Media is owned equally by Verizon Communications and Hearst Communications. Revenue is derived through affiliate marketing programs and a shop that sells merchandise.
Analysis / Bias
In review, Complex publishes original news stories focusing on entertainment and lifestyle. They also have a Youtube Channel that receives over 1 billion views per year. Articles not pertaining to politics utilize moderately loaded wording such as this Funk Flex Says Drake Would’ve Been Better Than Jay-Z If Reference Tracks Never Surfaced. Stories are generally sourced properly.
Editorially, Complex does not publish op-eds, however, under their Life section they report on politics with a moderate left-leaning bias such as this Trump Reportedly Told Pence He Could Be ‘Patriot’ or ‘P*ssy’ Prior to Capitol Riot and These Companies, Banks, and Organizations Are Cutting Ties With Trump and Other Republicans. Further, some of their stories are speculative and do not rely on verified information such as this ‘Stop the Steal’ Organizer Says Several GOP Congressmen Helped Plan the Rally. While this story may be true, the credibility of the accuser is suspect, however, the report did cover the perspective and denials of the accused as well. In general, the news is reported mostly factually and with moderate Left-Center bias.
Failed Fact Checks
- None to date
Overall, we rate Complex Left-Center Biased based on political story selection that favors the left. We also rate the Mostly Factual in reporting rather than High due to a lack of transparency. (D. Van Zandt 1/13/2021)
Source: https://www.complex.com/
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources