LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate NOTUS as Left-Center Biased due to story selection and framing slightly favoring liberal perspectives and Democratic figures. We also rate them High for factual reporting based on proper sourcing, thorough coverage, adherence to journalistic standards, and a clean fact-check record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
NOTUS, founded by Robert Allbritton (founder of Politico) in 2024, focuses on in-depth reporting on the U.S. government and politics. It provides hands-on training for aspiring journalists through the AJI fellowship program. Based in Washington, D.C., NOTUS operates under the Allbritton Journalism Institute.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
NOTUS is funded by the Allbritton Journalism Institute, a nonprofit educational organization that receives support through donations, grants, and partnerships.
Analysis / Bias
NOTUS publishes news on U.S. politics, covering elections, government policies, and political figures. Topics include the 2024 presidential election, key battleground states, and issues like healthcare, immigration, and foreign policy. Key political figures such as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are frequently featured, with stories detailing their campaigns, policy positions, and public appearances.
For example, in the article “Harris Said She Wouldn’t Do Anything Different From Biden. Trump Is Using It as an Attack”, NOTUS emphasizes how Trump capitalized on Harris’s comments during a rally, framing her as an extension of Biden’s presidency. The article explores Trump’s strategy of portraying Harris as a continuation of the current administration, which could alienate voters seeking change. This reporting provides a factual account of Trump’s rhetoric but lacks detailed counterarguments from the Harris campaign, which may subtly emphasize Trump’s criticisms more than her defense.
Similarly, in “Pete Buttigieg on Parenthood and Public Service,” the outlet highlights Buttigieg’s reflections on balancing public service with fatherhood. The article portrays him positively, emphasizing his challenges and successes. Though well-sourced and focused on Buttigieg, the lack of alternative viewpoints or critiques could be seen as a more favorable portrayal of a Democratic figure. Likewise, in “Bob Casey: Pro-Life Democrat,” the article explores Senator Casey’s unique position as a pro-life Democrat, emphasizing his nuanced approach to reproductive rights. While the piece offers a detailed exploration of his views, it does not heavily critique his stance or provide significant opposition from within his party or other political perspectives, which might leave readers with a sympathetic view of his position.
Conversely, their piece “JD Vance Says He Has to Be a Little More Precise’ When Speaking for Trump” recounts how Vance admitted to needing more precision when discussing Trump’s positions, especially regarding national issues like abortion. While the article highlights Vance’s alignment with Trump’s policies, it refrains from heavy critique, maintaining a balanced tone that neither overly praises nor criticizes his stance.
In “How Donald Trump Is Using Foreign Policy to Appeal to the Bros,“ the article examines Trump’s strategy of appearing on long-form podcasts to reach young, disaffected male voters. The piece details how Trump articulates his “strongman” approach to foreign policy, often referencing figures like Viktor Orbán and Vladimir Putin to appeal to this demographic. It critically examines Trump’s messaging, noting how his rhetoric aims to resonate with young male voters who feel disconnected from mainstream politics. While the tone remains analytical, it offers a more scrutinizing look at Trump’s communication strategies compared to the coverage of Democratic figures.
Regarding sourcing, NOTUS frequently references reputable outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and Reuters, alongside academic and media insights from platforms like gspm.gwu.edu and Adrienne Massanari’s research.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate NOTUS as Left-Center Biased due to story selection and framing slightly favoring liberal perspectives and Democratic figures. We also rate them High for factual reporting based on proper sourcing, thorough coverage, adherence to journalistic standards, and a clean fact-check record. (M. Huitsing 10/19/2024)
Source: https://www.notus.org/
Last Updated on October 19, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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