Franciscan Media - Bias and Credibility

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 appeals 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 Franciscan Media as left-center biased based on editorial positions that slightly favor a liberal perspective. We also rate them as Mostly Factual in reporting despite well-sourced fact-based news reporting due to evidence of the light promotion of pseudoscience.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Franciscan Media, previously St. Anthony Messenger Press, is a leading Catholic publisher established in 1970. They offer an online platform with news, articles, and resources related to the Franciscan tradition. Their mission is to share the Franciscan perspective on faith and spirituality with a broad audience. They offer free subscriptions to content, including Minute Meditations, Saint of the Day, Pause+Pray, Faith and Family, and a blog, Franciscan Spirit. They are headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funding/Ownership

Franciscan Media is sponsored by the Franciscan Friars of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, as stated in their mission statement. Revenue is generated through donations, and they also have a shop for subscriptions and other resources. The board of directors includes Dr. Pauline Albert and Bill Barkalow.

Analysis/ Bias

In the article “Latest Trump Indictment Sends U.S. to Uncharted Territory,” Franciscan Media discusses former President Donald Trump’s indictment, heavily relying on quotes from academics like Robert Schmuhl and James Patterson, as well as statements from the Justice Department. For instance, Robert Schmuhl asserts, ‘He portrays himself as the victim of politically driven investigations to prevent him from returning to the White House after the 2024 election,’ while James Patterson comments, ‘Trump’s argument almost writes itself.’ The phrase ‘uncharted territory’ describes the indictment’s impact on the U.S. While the article provides a balanced view by quoting experts from diverse fields, its emotionally loaded language and framing of Trump as a divisive figure may suggest a slight bias against him.

Another article, “Followers of St. Francis: Michael Blackburn, OFM,” profiles Father Michael Blackburn. It details his early life and calling to the priesthood, using a positive tone to highlight his commitment to Franciscan values. The piece is factual, relying on quotes from Father Michael, such as “God used that time to get my attention” and “God has been my strength,” and aligns with the publication’s religious focus. Side note: As of this review, we have not yet rated the credibility of OSV News. However, Franciscan Media frequently cites them as a source in several of their articles, including those covering political and religious topics.

Editorially, they generally hold traditional Catholic views, such as being morally opposed to abortion; however, they usually reject laws banning abortion, such as this Ohio archbishop urges Catholics to reject abortion amendment, and Catholics oppose Alabama A.G. suggestion of prosecuting women over abortion pills. Further, while supporting traditional marriage, they also support the LGBTQ community like this Walking with the LGBTQ Community: An Interview with Jim Martin, SJ.

Although most articles are factual, they do promote pseudoscience, such as belief in stigmata: Reflections on the Stigmata of St. Francis. There is no evidence stigmata is real. In general, news reporting is factual and has a slight left-leaning editorial bias; however, there is evidence that they lightly promote religious pseudoscience, as evidenced above.

Failed Fact Checks

None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate Franciscan Media as left-center biased based on editorial positions that slightly favor a liberal perspective. We also rate them as Mostly Factual in reporting despite well-sourced fact-based news reporting due to evidence of the light promotion of pseudoscience. (M. Huitsing 10/28/2023)

Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/

Last Updated on October 28, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check