RIGHT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources are slight to moderately conservative in 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 conservative causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Right-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate Crime and Cask / CC News Network as Right-Center Biased based on its editorial framing, advocacy-driven tone, and skepticism toward mainstream media and institutions. We also rate the outlet as Mostly Factual due to its use of primary documents, official correspondence, and explicit disclaimers, though strong personal involvement and one-sided presentation at times limit neutrality.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (2.8)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (2.6)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Crime and Cask, operating as CC News Network, is an independent digital media outlet focused on South Carolina news, true crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. According to its own description on the About CC News Network page, the outlet was founded by journalist and investigator James Seidel, who gained prominence for his coverage of the Alex Murdaugh trial. Content is published through the main site, Crime and Cask, and distributed across multiple social and audio platforms.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
CC News Network is privately owned and operated by its founder, James Seidel. The outlet indicates revenue is generated through advertising, paid subscriptions, book sales, and related media projects. An independent promotional profile published by IssueWire, titled James Seidel: South Carolina’s Own CC News Network, describes the site as a subscription-supported platform offering expanded investigative coverage for a monthly fee.
Analysis / Bias
Crime and Cask functions primarily as an investigative and commentary-based outlet with a strong emphasis on legal accountability and alleged misconduct. Straight reporting often relies on official correspondence, court-related material, and named authorities, as seen in the article ODC Opens Investigation Into Attorney Eric Bland, which cites communication from the South Carolina Office of Disciplinary Counsel and clearly notes that allegations are unproven and subject to due process.
However, the outlet frequently adopts an advocacy-oriented, confrontational tone, particularly in stories that involve the publisher directly. For example, Casey Blakin Israel – False Claims Retaliation Against Local Journalism is written from a strongly defensive perspective, asserting motive and framing events as coordinated retaliation, which reduces neutrality despite references to public records.
Political coverage further indicates a Right-Center lean. In Crimes Against the U.S.: The Stark Allegations Against Trump and Their Implications for America, the article presents extensive excerpts from prosecution filings and labels claims as alleged, but frames the broader narrative through a critical and interpretive lens focused on institutional failures and democratic risk. Across the site, story selection and framing show skepticism toward mainstream media and Democratic-aligned institutions, with selective criticism of Republican figures, resulting in a Right-Center rather than strictly partisan profile.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Crime and Cask / CC News Network as Right-Center Biased based on its editorial framing, advocacy-driven tone, and skepticism toward mainstream media and institutions. We also rate the outlet as Mostly Factual due to its use of primary documents, official correspondence, and explicit disclaimers, though strong personal involvement and one-sided presentation at times limit neutrality. (D. Van Zandt 12/22/2025)
Source: https://crimeandcask.com/
Last Updated on December 22, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources