LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate progressive/liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor progressive/liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information, but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder as Left-Center biased based on its editorial and advocacy positions, which moderately favor a progressive perspective. We also rate them as High in factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-3.5)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.5)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Newspaper
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Founded in 1934 by civil rights leader Cecil E. Newman, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) is the oldest Black-owned newspaper in Minnesota and one of the longest continuously operated Black family-owned newspapers in the U.S. Originally published as two separate papers—the Minneapolis Spokesman and the St. Paul Recorder—they merged in 2000 into the current MSR. The outlet is currently led by Newman’s granddaughter, Tracey Williams-Dillard, and serves Minnesota’s Black community through both weekly print and daily online reporting.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
MSR is independently owned by the Newman family and operates as a multimedia group. Revenue sources include subscriptions, merchandise sales, donations, and advertising. The publication does not list any large corporate or political donors and does not accept government funding, reinforcing its editorial independence.
Analysis / Bias
MSR maintains a Left-Center bias, focusing on issues affecting Black communities and often adopting progressive policy perspectives. The outlet regularly covers systemic inequality, policing, immigration policy, and health care. In “ICE detainees face indefinite confinement in Minnesota jails”, the publication highlights the civil rights concerns and legal inconsistencies facing immigrant detainees in Minnesota, quoting legal experts, detainees, and referencing a significant 2024 Eighth Circuit court ruling. The article is credited to Sahan Journal, a trusted regional outlet.
In “Black men in America are in a state of emergency”, MSR publishes a call to action on Juneteenth addressing educational and economic disparities among Black males. Though strongly worded, it is a personal essay rooted in statistical data and historical analysis, not misinformation.
The piece “Local leaders condemn GOP’s ‘Big Ugly’ budget bill” criticizes a Republican-backed federal budget plan and amplifies local Democratic voices such as Rep. Ilhan Omar. While critical of Republican policy, the article includes the GOP’s own defense of the bill, as presented by Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Thomas Massie, demonstrating balance in coverage despite an editorial lean.
The site presents well-researched content, sources its stories, and distinguishes between opinion and reporting. Its journalism is consistent with pro-democracy values and public accountability.
Failed Fact Check
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder as Left-Center biased based on its editorial and advocacy positions, which moderately favor a progressive perspective. We also rate them as High in factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record. (D. Van Zandt 07/20/2025)
Source: https://spokesman-recorder.com/
Last Updated on July 20, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources