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 appeals 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 RATS News as Left-Center Biased due to its pro-transparency, pro-women’s rights editorials, and occasional critiques of populism. We also rate it High for factual reporting based on consistent sourcing, balanced coverage, and a lack of evidence of partisan or government influence.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-2.3)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.8)
Country: Turkey
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: LIMITED FREEDOM
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Radio and Television Service (RATS) News is a digital media platform based in Turkey that positions itself as an independent, impartial, and analytical news outlet. Founded with the objective of resisting superficial and sensationalist content, RATS News emphasizes the importance of investigative and verified journalism. The organization aims to uphold universal journalism ethics and plans to expand its operations to multiple languages. Its mission includes combating disinformation and ensuring transparent sourcing in its reporting.
Read our profile on Turkish media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
While RATS News lists no specific owner or corporate affiliation, it describes itself as a “new generation independent media platform” under the Radio and Television Service brand. Its lack of visible government or partisan sponsors suggests independence, though limited financial transparency leaves its structure somewhat opaque. RATS News generates revenue from user donations, advertising, and sponsorships.
Analysis / Bias
RATS News covers domestic Turkish events and international affairs with minimal bias. For instance, its report on the suspension of Yahşihan Mayor Ahmet Sungur neutrally cites official statements from the Turkish Ministry of Interior, focusing on the legal process and emphasizing the presumption of innocence, a balanced, procedural approach typical of mainstream Turkish outlets such as Anadolu Ajansı. Similarly, coverage of the Sivas bus driver’s detention includes citizen reactions and police actions but avoids sensational language.
The site’s opinion section, however, reflects a modestly centrist-to-progressive orientation. The editorial “If There’s One Thing As Dangerous As Corruption, It’s Populism” criticizes populist rhetoric that trivializes terrorism — a stance consistent with pro-democracy and anti-populist values rather than overt government defense. Another column, “Women Equal Women!”, strongly advocates for women’s rights and institutional accountability, highlighting failures in legal protection against femicide and criticizing sexist political culture. These editorials suggest moderate social progressivism, not government alignment.
Overall, RATS News’ tone is factual and restrained, free of the pro-government praise or nationalist framing common to state-affiliated Turkish media. Its balance, use of official sources, and criticism of populism indicate a commitment to journalistic standards rather than political loyalty.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate RATS News as Left-Center Biased due to its pro-transparency, pro-women’s rights editorials, and occasional critiques of populism. We also rate it High for factual reporting based on consistent sourcing, balanced coverage, and a lack of evidence of partisan or government influence. (D. Van Zandt 10/26/2025)
Source: https://ratshaber.com/
Last Updated on October 26, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
Do you appreciate our work? Please consider one of the following ways to sustain us.
or
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources