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 Efecto Cocuyo as Left-Center biased based on story emphasis on human rights, environmental issues, and democratic accountability. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to strong sourcing, a transparent methodology, and IFCN-certified fact-checks.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-3.5)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.5)
Country: Venezuela
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: TOTAL OPPRESSION
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Efecto Cocuyo is a Venezuelan digital newsroom founded in 2015 amid censorship, originating through a public microfinance campaign described in Nuestros orígenes. Its mission, detailed in Sobre Nosotras, emphasizes ethical, independent journalism, while its verification unit, Cocuyo Chequea, operates under IFCN certification (IFCN profile).
Read our profile on Venezuela’s media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
The outlet was founded by Luz Mely Reyes, Laura Weffer, and Josefina Ruggiero, and sustained early development with citizen donations and incubator support, as documented in their origin narrative. It is independently operated and headquartered in Caracas.
Analysis / Bias
Efecto Cocuyo demonstrates a consistent orientation toward social equity, human rights, and democratic accountability, themes that contribute to a Left-Center bias. This emphasis is evident in explanatory pieces such as “What the triple planetary crisis means,” which frames environmental degradation using UN data and highlights impacts on vulnerable populations, an editorial perspective that aligns with progressive public-interest journalism. Their mission pages at Sobre Nosotras also highlight pluralism, gender equity, and the inclusion of marginalized voices, further illustrating the outlet’s left-leaning editorial orientation.
Their fact-checking arm exhibits rigorous methodology, exemplified by the verification that a widely circulated Caracas military exercise video was actually from 2020 (fact-check). This investigation cross-referenced historical uploads, analyzed distribution patterns, and contextualized misinformation networks, reflecting high factual standards. Additionally, Cocuyo Chequea’s published workflow outlines multi-editor review, ClaimReview metadata, and adherence to the neutrality policy, all of which reduce editorial bias in verification content.
Straight news reporting largely maintains neutrality, as seen in this report’s coverage of Venezuela’s National Assembly actions regarding Citgo and the ICC. While such reporting highlights government accountability and geopolitical tensions, it avoids emotional language and presents official statements with clear sourcing. The Left-Center bias primarily stems from consistent story selection favoring topics related to human rights, environmental crises, and institutional transparency rather than overtly slanted wording.
Failed Fact Checks
- No failed fact checks. They are an IFCN-approved organization.
Overall, we rate Efecto Cocuyo as Left-Center biased based on story emphasis on human rights, environmental issues, and democratic accountability. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to strong sourcing, a transparent methodology, and IFCN-certified fact-checks. (D. Van Zandt 12/03/2025)
Source: https://efectococuyo.com/
Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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