PRO-SCIENCE
These sources consist of legitimate science or are evidence based through the use of credible scientific sourcing. Legitimate science follows the scientific method, is unbiased and does not use emotional words. These sources also respect the consensus of experts in the given scientific field and strive to publish peer-reviewed science. Some sources in this category may have a slight political bias, but adhere to scientific principles. See all Pro-Science sources.
- Overall, we rate Popular Mechanics Pro-Science based on proper scientific sourcing of information and balanced story selection. We also rate them High for a clean fact-check record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: PRO-SCIENCE (-1.0)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (0.5)
Country: United States
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Magazine
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Founded in 1902, Popular Mechanics is a magazine of popular technology featuring automotive, home, outdoor, electronics, science, do-it-yourself, and technology topics. Military topics, aviation, and transportation of all types, space, tools, and gadgets. The current editor is Alexander George.
In 2020, Popular Mechanics was criticized for showing how to vandalize monuments.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
Popular Mechanics is owned by Hearst Communications, which owns newspapers, magazines, television channels, and television stations, including the San Francisco Chronicle, the Houston Chronicle, and Esquire. According to Open Secrets, Hearst has donated 70% to Republican candidates and causes in 2020. Revenue is derived through advertising and subscription fees.
Analysis / Bias
In review, Popular Mechanics covers a wide range of science and technology with minimal use of loaded language, such as This Experimental Drone Could Change America’s War Strategy. This story, like all others, is properly sourced. Other stories cover math, such as This Guy Says He Solved the Most Controversial Open Problem in Math.
While Popular Mechanics does not take strong political stances, they often frame former President Trump negatively, such as this Trump Ordered Low-Flying Military Helicopters to Stop D.C. Protesters. In general, Popular Science is not a hard science magazine that is factual and minimizes bias in reporting.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Popular Mechanics Pro-Science based on proper scientific sourcing of information and balanced story selection. We also rate them High for a clean fact check record. (D. Van Zandt 8/24/2016) Updated (11/15/2024)
Last Updated on February 14, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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