LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderate to strongly biased toward liberal causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate Michael West Media as Left Biased due to its consistent focus on exposing corporate misconduct, government cronyism, and progressive critiques of fossil fuels, arms deals, and conservative policies. It is considered Mostly Factual because reporting is evidence-based and well-sourced, though coverage is often one-sided in favor of anti-corporate and progressive perspectives.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT (-6.5)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (3.3)
Country: Australia
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Michael West Media (MWM) is an Australian investigative outlet founded by journalist Michael West. It began as a platform to scrutinize corporate tax avoidance and has since expanded to cover energy, finance, politics, and public accountability.
Read our profile on the Australian media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
MWM is published by Westpub Pty Ltd (ABN 76 613 202 421). It states that it does not accept corporate sponsorships and relies on reader donations, memberships, and subscriptions, although the site does feature advertising.
Analysis / Bias
Michael West Media presents itself as non-partisan but strongly frames stories against corporate and government elites, resulting in a clear left-leaning bias. Reporting frequently criticizes multinational corporations, fossil fuel firms, and political connections to wealth.
For example, David McEwen’s analysis of Chevron’s Gorgon CCS project argues carbon capture is largely a subsidy-driven “con-job” with negligible climate benefit, highlighting public waste and environmental harm. Similarly, Stephanie Tran’s investigation of Israel defense contracts contends that billions in arms deals put Australia at risk of violating international law, citing ICJ rulings and the Arms Trade Treaty.
Earlier pieces, such as Michael West’s “Crony Capitalism” report, have criticized the previous conservative Morrison government’s protection of billionaire donors and the use of loopholes. Investigations often rely on verifiable data, such as AusTender records and legal opinions, but they consistently emphasize systemic corruption, corporate greed, or foreign policy risks from a progressive standpoint.
The outlet supplements these investigations with neutral wire content through AAP News, and occasionally produces video explainers, such as coverage of the teacher strike. Still, the dominant narrative is adversarial toward corporations and governments with conservative leanings. The site’s investigations are evidence-driven but one-sided in focus, contributing to a Left Bias rating with Mostly Factual reliability.
Failed Fact Checks
- No failed fact checks identified.
Overall, we rate Michael West Media as Left Biased due to its consistent focus on exposing corporate misconduct, government cronyism, and progressive critiques of fossil fuels, arms deals, and conservative policies. It is considered Mostly Factual because reporting is evidence-based and well-sourced, though coverage is often one-sided in favor of anti-corporate and progressive perspectives. (D. Van Zandt 08/24/2025)
Source: https://michaelwest.com.au/
Last Updated on August 24, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
Do you appreciate our work? Please consider one of the following ways to sustain us.
or
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources