RIGHT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources are slight to moderately conservative in bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes) to favor conservative causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Right-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate the Institute of Economic Affairs as Right-Center biased due to its consistent promotion of free-market and anti-regulatory policies, and Mostly Factual based on limited engagement with opposing viewpoints.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (4.5)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (3.6)
Country: United Kingdom
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Founded in 1955 by Antony Fisher, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) is a UK-based free-market think tank that has influenced British economic policy, particularly during the Thatcher era. The organization focuses on promoting classical liberalism and economic freedom. They also publish a Substack Newsletter called Insider.
Read our profile on the UK’s media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
IEA is a registered charity and an independent organization. According to its FAQ, its income consisted of:
- IEA is a registered charity and an independent organization. According to its FAQ, its income consisted of:
- 50% from private individuals, entrepreneurs, and small family businesses
- 27% from foundations and trusts
- 14% from large businesses (FTSE350)
- 5% from book sales, speaker fees, dividends
- 4% from events and subscriptions
No single donor provides more than 2% of its income, and the IEA asserts its independence from any corporate or political party control.
Analysis / Bias
The IEA is a UK-based free-market think tank that produces reports and media focused on reducing government intervention and promoting privatization. For example, in “Taxed Out: Britain’s War on Wealth Creators”, the IEA sharply criticizes UK taxation as punitive to entrepreneurs. In its higher education analysis, it supports U.S.-style university reforms and tuition deregulation. On climate policy, it leans toward market-based innovation over regulation, as seen in “Market Innovation Vital to Fight Climate Change”.
While the IEA claims nonpartisanship, its outputs consistently promote right-libertarian ideals, often omitting opposing perspectives. Its positions are generally supported by credible economic analysis, though critics argue the think tank’s output reflects an ideologically narrow worldview.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate the Institute of Economic Affairs as Right-Center biased due to its consistent promotion of free-market and anti-regulatory policies, and Mostly Factual based on limited engagement with opposing viewpoints. (D. Van Zandt 07/15/2025)
Source: https://iea.org.uk/
Last Updated on July 15, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources