Cult MTL - Bias and Credibility - Media Bias/Fact Check

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 Cult MTL as left-center biased based on its story selection and editorial coverage, which reflects a moderate progressive viewpoint. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-4.8)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.8)
Country: Canada
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: EXCELLENT
Media Type: Website/Magazine
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Cult MTL is a daily web and monthly print publication founded in 2012 by former staff members of the alternative newspaper Montreal Mirror after its closure by Quebecor Media. Based in Montreal, Quebec, Cult MTL focuses on arts, culture, food, lifestyle, and local politics. The publication also runs the annual Best of MTL readers’ poll, provides citywide event listings, and covers community issues. Its editor-in-chief is Lorraine Carpenter, a journalist and former Mirror editor.

Read our profile in Canada’s media and government.

Funded by / Ownership

Cult MTL is an independent media outlet, owned and operated by its founders and editorial team. It is supported through advertising sales, featured on its About/Contact page, and accepts reader donations via Stripe.

Analysis / Bias

Cult MTL exhibits a Left-Center editorial orientation, striking a balance between straightforward news and lifestyle coverage, and socially progressive commentary and cultural criticism.

Straight news articles, such as First snowfall of the season: Up to 10 cm of snow projected for Montreal Sunday through Monday, provide concise, factual reporting with no discernible bias. Similarly, lifestyle coverage like Montreal Restaurant Guide: Ma Poule Mouillée focuses on dining and entertainment without political framing.

However, Cult MTL also publishes politically charged articles that reflect liberal and pro-democracy values. Quebec is the most anti-Trump province in Canada reports on polling data with neutral sourcing but aligns with a broadly left-leaning worldview critical of Donald Trump. Another piece, STM strike: “The CAQ is handling this in the worst possible way”, emphasizes union perspectives and critiques the right-leaning Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government—consistent with progressive labor advocacy.

The magazine’s November 2025 editorial, Democracy, you in danger, girl, explicitly warns of “creeping authoritarianism” in North America and criticizes conservative leaders such as Donald Trump, Pierre Poilievre, and François Legault. It uses persuasive language and opinionated framing, labeling recent Quebec legislation as “authoritarian” and “repressive.” Despite its strong rhetoric, the article cites factual context such as Bill 21 and Bill 40, demonstrating well-grounded political commentary rather than conspiracy or misinformation.

Overall, Cult MTL’s editorial stance is socially liberal, pro-democracy, and critical of conservative populism, typical of alternative urban media. While its commentary employs impassioned language, its reporting remains factually accurate and sourced from verifiable data and official statements.

Failed Fact Checks

None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate Cult MTL as left-center biased based on its story selection and editorial coverage, which reflects a moderate progressive viewpoint. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record. (D. Van Zandt 11/11/2025)

Source: https://cultmtl.com/

Last Updated on November 11, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check