RIGHT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports and omit reporting of information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate Gun Owners of America as right-biased based on its consistent promotion of pro-gun rights and critique of gun control measures. We also rate them mixed factually due to their strong ideological stance, which may limit the site’s objectivity and balance, the use of poor sources, and a failed fact check.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Gun Owners of America (GOA) was established in 1975 by H.L. “Bill” Richardson, a California state senator. GOA is a non-profit lobbying organization formed to preserve and defend Americans’ Second Amendment rights. The organization prides itself on its stance on gun rights and often positions itself as more rigid than other gun rights groups, such as the National Rifle Association (NRA). It is based in Springfield, VA.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
GOA is a non-profit organization funded through donations and membership fees. Its executive director, Erich Pratt, leads the organization with a board of directors that governs its activities. GOA also engages in political advocacy, spending money on lobbying efforts to influence gun-related legislation. According to OpenSecrets, GOA contributes to political campaigns and lobbying efforts. The GOA Foundation further supports these efforts by focusing on education and legal defense for gun owners.
Analysis / Bias
GOA exhibits a strong right-wing bias in its advocacy, emphasizing the protection of gun rights and criticizing gun control measures. It provides legislative scorecards to grade politicians based on their stances on gun rights, helping voters support aligned candidates. They also publish year-end reports highlighting its accomplishments, such as this in 2022, where they report “more than a half dozen legal victories.”
GOA often uses emotionally loaded language in its articles and statements to express its positions and criticize gun control advocates. Additionally, GOA republishes articles from factually mixed sources such as Breitbart, for example, an article titled “Quiznos Employee Shoots Robber,” which may affect the reliability of their content. In another instance, the article “Biden Declares’ Public Health Crisis’ to Attack Your Rights” critiques the Biden administration’s gun control measures, framing them as an assault on constitutional rights. The article uses strong language such as “tyranny” and “abuse of power” to describe the administration’s actions, reflecting a clear bias against gun control policies.
Another article, “GOA and GOF Join State of Texas in Suit Against Biden’s Universal Background Check Rule,” frames the lawsuit as a defense against “tyrannical” government overreach. The article quotes Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, describing the rule as an effort to “harass, intimidate, and criminalize gun owners,” showcasing the organization’s strong opposition to the Biden administration’s policies.
Typically, Gun Owners of America exhibits a strong bias toward right-wing, pro-gun viewpoints. The publication frequently critiques gun control measures and promotes the idea that increased gun ownership leads to greater public safety. We rate them mixed factually due to their strong ideological stance, which may limit the site’s objectivity and balance.
Failed Fact Checks
Overall, we rate Gun Owners of America as right-biased based on its consistent promotion of pro-gun rights and critique of gun control measures. We also rate them mixed factually due to their strong ideological stance, which may limit the site’s objectivity and balance, the use of poor sources, and a failed fact check. (M. Huitsing 07/08/2024)
Sources: https://www.gunowners.org/
Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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