Patch – Bias and Credibility

These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes).  The reporting is factual and usually sourced.  These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.

• Overall, we rate Patch High for factual reporting due to thorough sourcing and Least Biased based on balanced story selection and neutral language.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Launched in 2007, Patch is a hyperlocal news and information site which was formerly part of AOL. It is an online news and information portal for 1200 neighborhood and community websites across the USA.

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

Currently, Patch is owned by investment firm Hale Global. Warren St. John is the CEO. Advertising generates revenue.

Analysis / Bias

In review, Patch Media runs a large US-based hyperlocal network of sites. Patch primarily covers tabloid-style news and news that generates the most traffic, such as police and local sports, with an emphasis on sensational headlines such as “What Could Cause A Superintendent To Poop On A Track?” Although headlines are somewhat sensational, the content of articles uses a low biased neutral tone that does not favor the right or left.

In their national news reporting, they utilize listicle style headlines such as “Stormy Daniels Payoff: 5 Things To Clear Your Confusion,” and typically they source to credible sources such as the Washington Post, NBC News, citizensforethics.org, commoncause.org, Star-Ledger, and occasionally factually mixed sources such as CNN and Fox News. In addition, they republish stories from Associated Press.

Failed Fact Checks

• None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate Patch High for factual reporting due to thorough sourcing and Least Biased based on balanced story selection and neutral language. (M. Huitsing 5/5/2018) Updated (07/18/2023)

Source: https://patch.com/