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 Detector Media as Left-Center Biased due to its pro-democracy and pro-European editorial stance, and High for Factual Reporting based on transparency, sourcing, and adherence to journalistic ethics. Detector Media consistently calls out propaganda rather than promoting it, focusing on media accountability and freedom of speech.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-3.5)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.5)
Country: Ukraine
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MODERATE FREEDOM
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Detector Media is a Kyiv-based nonprofit media organization founded in 2001 under the name “Telekritika.” In 2016, it rebranded as Detector Media (DM). The outlet’s stated mission is to promote high-quality, ethical journalism, media literacy, and the fight against disinformation in Ukraine. The organization analyzes media trends, monitors propaganda, and reports on press-freedom violations. Detector Media operates as part of Ukraine’s independent media ecosystem and is one of several NGOs contributing to journalist protection initiatives such as the International Journalists Insurance Fund (IJIF) alongside IMI, CEDEM, and others.
Read our profile on the Ukrainian media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Detector Media is owned by the nonprofit NGO “Detector Media.” It receives funding from international donor organizations, including European democracy-support programs such as the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom and Germany’s Federal Foreign Office. According to its editorial policy, donors have no influence over editorial decisions, and all cooperation is based on “mutual trust, honest dialogue and shared values.” DM also accepts voluntary reader donations through its online donation portal (Donate Page).
Analysis / Bias
Detector Media presents factual, pro-democracy journalism that supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and European integration. The organization explicitly distinguishes between journalism and activism and publishes methodologies for its research and monitoring projects. It is pro-Ukraine, advocating democratic development and media literacy, but not a government mouthpiece.
For example, its article on Russian propaganda tactics meticulously analyzes how pro-Russian Telegram channels justify attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. The piece dissects 664 propaganda messages, explains their manipulation patterns, and contrasts them with verifiable data, demonstrating Detector Media’s role as a watchdog rather than a partisan outlet.
Likewise, coverage such as Russian occupiers announced the opening of the drama theater in Mariupol documents Russian war crimes with factual sourcing from the Mariupol City Council, while In October, IMI recorded 21 cases of violations of freedom of speech in Ukraine uses verified data from the Institute of Mass Information. These articles are grounded in evidence and avoid sensationalism.
The outlet’s editorial guidelines emphasize accuracy over speed, multi-source verification, anti-plagiarism, transparent corrections, and explicit labeling of advertisements. Its clear distinction between news, analysis, and opinion supports journalistic integrity. Detector Media consistently calls out propaganda, misinformation, and hate speech, especially in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, but maintains professional distance from partisan politics.
Failed Fact Checks
- There are no known failed fact checks for Detector Media or its affiliated projects from any credible fact-checking organizations.
Overall, we rate Detector Media as Left-Center Biased due to its pro-democracy and pro-European editorial stance, and High for Factual Reporting based on transparency, sourcing, and adherence to journalistic ethics. Detector Media consistently calls out propaganda rather than promoting it, focusing on media accountability and freedom of speech. (D. Van Zandt 11/03/2025)
Source: https://detector.media/
Last Updated on November 3, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
Do you appreciate our work? Please consider one of the following ways to sustain us.
or
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources