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 the purpose of 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 the Lancaster Courier far left-biased and Questionable based on a lack of transparency, poor sourcing techniques, and deceptively attempting to appear as a local paper (imposter site)
Detailed Report
Reasoning: Lack of Transparency, Poor Sourcing, Imposter Site
Bias Rating: LEFT
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: LOW CREDIBILITY
History
Founded in 2019, The Lancaster Courier is a news and opinion website that reports from a liberal perspective. According to their about page, “WE NEVER STOP BRINGING YOU THE LATEST FROM THE NATIONAL (U.S.) SCENE, INTERNATIONAL SCENE, AND THE STORIES THAT SLIP THROUGH THE CRACKS ON OTHER NEWS SITES.” They list the editor as JC Zuzierla. The website does not report news on or about Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
The Lancaster Courier lacks transparency as they do not disclose ownership on the website. According to a Newsguard investigation, the website may be owned by Today’s Growth Consultant Inc., which is currently under investigation for a Ponzi scheme. Advertising generates revenue.
Analysis / Bias
In review, the Lancaster Courier does not conduct original reporting but rather summarizes news stories and adds commentary from a left-leaning perspective. Articles and headlines often contain emotionally loaded wording such as this TERRIFIED TRUMP WHINED HE WAS ON THE VERGE OF DEATH WHILE HOSPITALIZED AT WALTER REED: REPORT. This story is appropriately sourced to New York Magazine. For the most part, stories are sourced to credible media outlets such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and Politico; however, some stories such as this TRUMP FEARMONGERS ABOUT DEMOCRATS POSSIBLY PACKING THE SUPREME COURT are not sourced at all.
Editorially, all stories favor the left and frequently denigrate conservatives, such as this BOB DOLE EMBARRASSES HIMSELF AND FORFEITS WHATEVER CREDIBILITY HE HAD LEFT DEFENDING TRUMP. Further, the Lancaster Courier lacks transparency as they also do not disclose their liberal political leanings. The Lancaster Courier generally publishes fact-based information with a strong left-leaning bias. However, this website lacks transparency, sometimes does not source information, and uses a deceptive name to appear to be a legitimate local newspaper.
Failed Fact Checks
- An IFCN fact-checker has not fact-checked them.
Overall, we rate the Lancaster Courier far left-biased and Questionable based on a lack of transparency, poor sourcing techniques, and deceptively attempting to appear as a local paper (imposter site). (D. Van Zandt 10/11/2020) Updated (05/31/2022)
Source: https://www.lancastercourier.com/
Last Updated on May 31, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
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