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 Newfoundland Independent as Left-Biased due to its consistent focus on progressive policy positions. We also rate its reporting as High for factual accuracy based on editorial transparency and good sourcing practices.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT (-6.0)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.8)
Country: Canada
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Newspaper
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The Independent is a progressive, nonprofit news outlet based in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Originally a print publication from 2003–2008, it relaunched in 2011 as a digital media collective. After nearly collapsing, it was reorganized by journalists Justin Brake and Rhea Rollmann into a not-for-profit model centered on grassroots reporting and social justice.
It is a member of the Press Forward network, a collective of independent Canadian media outlets emphasizing community-based, public-interest journalism. Newfoundland Independent adheres to the network’s 10 guiding principles, which emphasize truth-telling, accountability, equity, and service to local communities.
Read our profile on the Canadian government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
The Independent is not corporately funded and does not run ads or paywalls. It operates through a combination of grants, reader subscriptions, and donations. It also receives support through the Canadian Government’s Local Journalism Initiative
Analysis / Bias
The Independent clearly aligns with progressive, left-leaning values. It prioritizes stories focused on Indigenous rights, environmental justice, decolonization, and grassroots movements. For example, its coverage of Hydro-Québec’s work halt highlights Indigenous resistance to resource extraction. The publication’s editorial defending the questioning of Justin Trudeau on genocide demonstrates its commitment to holding power accountable from a justice-oriented lens.
Articles are grounded in journalism ethics and supported by on-the-ground reporting and sourcing. While commentary pieces are ideologically framed, straight news articles tend to maintain factual integrity. One such example is its critique of the Liberal government’s climate plan, which is grounded in policy detail and evidence rather than partisan rhetoric.
The outlet has won numerous awards, including several Atlantic Journalism Awards in 2023 and 2024. It is respected within the independent Canadian media sphere but lacks the reach of mainstream national outlets.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Newfoundland Independent as Left-Biased due to its consistent focus on progressive policy positions. We also rate its reporting as High for factual accuracy based on editorial transparency and good sourcing practices. (M. Huitsing 07/10/2025)
Source: https://theindependent.ca/
Last Updated on July 10, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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