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 Mother Earth News as Mixed for factual reporting due to its promotion of alternative medicine without strong scientific support. We rate it as Left-Center biased for its strong emphasis on environmentalism and sustainability. While the magazine offers reliable content on homesteading and green energy, its health claims should be approached skeptically.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-4.8)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (4.9)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Magazine
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Mother Earth News is a sustainability-focused publication founded in 1970 by John and Jane Shuttleworth, in Hendersonville, North Carolina. It covers topics related to organic gardening, homesteading, renewable energy, DIY projects, and alternative health. The magazine and its digital platform offer practical advice for growing food, and embracing self-sufficiency. However, its health coverage has been criticized for supporting alternative medicine without solid scientific backing.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
Ogden Publications, Inc. owns Mother Earth News, along with GRIT, Capper’s Farmer, and Utne Reader. The magazine makes money through subscriptions, advertising, affiliate marketing, and live events like the Mother Earth News Fair, where it sells workshops, books, and merchandise on sustainable living. Sponsored content also plays a role in its revenue model.
Analysis / Bias
Mother Earth News promotes sustainability, organic living, and alternative health remedies. For example, the article “How to Candle Eggs” is a practical, fact-based guide for farmers and homesteaders, reflecting the magazine’s focus on hands-on, applicable knowledge. Similarly, “Energy-Efficient Window Treatments” provides practical advice on reducing home energy consumption, which aligns with the publication’s commitment to sustainable living and conservation.
However, some of its content leans toward natural medicine and skepticism of mainstream medical treatments. While it provides useful information on eco-friendly farming and homesteading, its health articles sometimes lack scientific scrutiny and rely on anecdotal claims. A prime example is the article “Dr. Harold W. Manner: The Man Who Cures Cancer,” which advocates for Laetrile (amygdalin or vitamin B17) as a cancer treatment. The article presents Harold Manner’s claims without critical analysis, pushing the idea that mainstream medicine suppresses natural cancer cures. It fails to mention that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the FDA have found Laetrile ineffective and potentially toxic. Instead of citing peer-reviewed research, the article relies on conspiratorial framing and anecdotal evidence, which is a common pattern in Mother Earth News’ alternative health coverage.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Mother Earth News as Mixed for factual reporting due to its promotion of alternative medicine without strong scientific support. We rate it as Left-Center biased for its strong emphasis on environmentalism and sustainability. While the magazine offers reliable content on homesteading and green energy, its health claims should be approached skeptically. (M. Huitsing 03/01/2025)
Source: https://www.motherearthnews.com/
Last Updated on March 1, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources