Inside the Magic - Bias and Credibility

QUESTIONABLE SOURCE

A questionable source exhibits one or more of the following: extreme bias, consistent promotion of propaganda/conspiracies, poor or no sourcing to credible information, a complete lack of transparency, and/or is fake news. Fake News is the deliberate attempt to publish hoaxes and/or disinformation for profit or influence (Learn More). Sources listed in the Questionable Category may be very untrustworthy and should be fact-checked on a per-article basis. Please note sources on this list are not considered fake news unless specifically written in the reasoning section for that source. See all Questionable sources.

Overall, we rate Inside the Magic (ITM) as Questionable based on the frequent use of sensational headlines, poor sourcing, a lack of transparency, and numerous failed fact checks.

Detailed Report

Questionable Reasoning: Lack of Transparency, Poor Sourcing, Sensationalism, Numerous Failed Fact Checks
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: LOW CREDIBILITY

History

Inside the Magic (ITM) was a Disney fan site launched by Ricky Brigante in 2005. In 2018, it was acquired by Kurt Schmidt and features content from its YouTube channel covering theme parks, movies, TV, video games, conventions, and special events. Inside the Magic (ITM) is headquartered in Bay Lake, Florida.

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

While Inside the Magic (ITM) lists JAK Schmidt, Inc. as the copyright holder at the bottom of their website, detailed information about this entity is not readily available. Previously, Kurt Schmidt was known to be associated with ITM, as indicated on his LinkedIn profile. However, the current specifics of the ownership structure remain unclear. The site’s revenue primarily comes from advertising, partnerships, sponsorships, YouTube channel ads, and a shop that sells branded merchandise.

Analysis / Bias

Inside the Magic publishes tabloid-style articles, such as “Kylie Jenner Gets Major Backlash From Fans for Disney Stunt,” which focuses on high-profile celebrities involved in controversial incidents at Disney. This aligns with the type of content often seen in tabloids.

Another article, “Florida GOP Shoots Down Plans To Return DeSantis District to Disney,” covers a political issue involving Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Disney corporation. It cites the composition of the Florida House and includes statements from political figures. While the article provides specific legislative details, its tone and framing lean towards sensationalism, further evidenced by its use of imagery (e.g., ‘Ron DeSantis laughing at Disney World’).

Regarding sourcing, ITM often uses circular referencing by citing other articles from their site and a mix of sources such as Justia, flsenate.gov, TikTok, and Vanity Fair.

In addition, we analyzed headlines for President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump. Both contained sensationalism and clickbait elements. This approach attracts readers’ attention and encourages clicks, regardless of the political figure involved. For instance, some headlines about Joe Biden read as follows: “Joe Biden Calls Republicans “Crazy” Over Disney Attacks, “They’re Going to Storm Cinderella’s Castle,” and “Biden Mocks DeSantis Over Ongoing Disney Feud.” These headlines use sensational language like “Crazy,” and “Mocks” to exaggerate Biden’s interactions or comments concerning Disney and political opponents.

Here are a few examples of headlines about Donald Trump: “Move Over, DeSantis: Trump Takes “Woke” Potshots at Disney” and “Trump Causes Havoc at Disney, Guest Shares “Cringeworthy” Experience.” Here, the use of terms like “Woke Potshots” and “Causes Havoc” creates a dramatic and sensational narrative around Trump’s actions and statements.

In both cases, Inside the Magic employs a style that leans towards sensationalism and clickbait, using emotionally loaded or provocative language to draw in readers, a common tactic in tabloid journalism to boost engagement and traffic. This editorial choice focuses on the attention-grabbing aspects of news reporting rather than a straightforward presentation of information. Generally, Inside the Magic produces more sensational or click-worthy content to attract views, often prioritizing traffic over factual accuracy, as evidenced by numerous failed fact checks.

Failed Fact Checks

“Disney Channel Set to Cease All Broadcasts.” – False
Disney theme parks have an “Aladdin Exception” rule that allows the actor portraying the character Aladdin to kill guests if absolutely necessary. – False
“Universal Studios Orlando Closes Location Permanently.” – False
Disney CEO Reveals Disney+ Will Shut Down in December, Tells Parents to “Prepare” – False
“Mickey Mouse Officially Being Retired Effective Immediately.” – False

Overall, we rate Inside the Magic (ITM) as Questionable based on the frequent use of sensational headlines, poor sourcing, a lack of transparency, and numerous failed fact checks. (M. Huitsing 01/12/2024)

Source: insidethemagic.net

Last Updated on January 12, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check