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 PublicLab.org as the left-center with a strong environmental advocacy bias due to its focus on community-based research and environmental justice. We also rate them high in factual reporting due to their reliance on credible sources, scientific principles, and real-world case studies.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Public Lab, established in 2010, aims to democratize environmental monitoring by providing open-source tools to communities. Their mission is to make science accessible to everyone. Public Lab ceased formal operations at the end of April 2023. It continues in a limited, volunteer-run capacity with no full-time staff, discontinued virtual programming, and a closed Kits Store. The website remains functional with limited services. More details are available in their newsletter. Public Lab does not disclose their location; however, the IP address is located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Public Lab is funded through grants, donations, and individual contributions. Significant funders include the Moore Foundation, which has provided substantial financial support for developing and disseminating community science tools. The organization’s board of directors, listed here, oversees its operations and strategic direction. Public Lab publishes accessible financial reports; you can view their audited financial statements here.
Analysis / Bias
Public Lab’s content focuses on guiding users through DIY environmental monitoring projects using technical and instructional information. The language is neutral and fact-based, empowering communities through scientific knowledge. This focus on community-driven science may introduce a slight bias toward promoting grassroots environmental action, but it is more thematic than political.
For example, articles like “Huber Seeks Permits to Remove Bald Eagle Nests” and “Zoning and Corruption in St. John the Baptist Parish” are well-sourced and offer detailed factual information. Although Public Lab remains non-partisan and prioritizes scientific advocacy and education over political alignment, their work naturally intersects with environmental policy issues. This intersection does not skew their content politically but emphasizes the application of scientific methods to local issues, as seen in their various reports and community projects.
The use of grants, such as those from the Moore Foundation, has supported initiatives, including developing DIY kits like Papercraft Spectrometers, Infragram Pi Cameras, and community engagement programs. While they provide detailed reports on their financials, these expenditures’ effectiveness and specific impacts on projects and community outcomes are not always apparent. Typically, PublicLab.org exhibits a strong bias towards environmental advocacy and community engagement. For more information, visit their website, blog, and Kits page. Detailed funding information is available from the Moore Foundation.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate PublicLab.org as the left-center with a strong environmental advocacy bias due to its focus on community-based research and environmental justice. We also rate them high in factual reporting due to their reliance on credible sources, scientific principles, and real-world case studies. (M. Huitsing 07/06/2024)
Source: https://publiclab.org/
Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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