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 Reference.com as left-center biased based on coverage of political issues that favor the left. We also rate them as high for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-2.5)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.0)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Reference.com, an online encyclopedia, was launched by InReference, Inc in February 1997. The site was later acquired by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. Subsequently, Lexico was acquired by Answers.com, and later, Ask.com (a part of IAC/InterActiveCorp) took over ownership.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Reference.com is owned by Ask.com, a part of IAC/InterActiveCorp. There have been several financial transactions involving the ownership of Reference.com. For instance, Answers.com acquired Lexico Publishing Group, LLC for $100 million in cash, and Ask.com, in turn, acquired Lexico Publishing Group LLC in an all-cash deal. Advertising generates revenue.
Analysis / Bias
Reference.com is an online encyclopedia that organizes content through a question-and-answer format. Articles are organized into hierarchical categories. An example entry into the encyclopedia is as follows: Understanding the History of Mexico’s Independence Day. This entry, like all others, relies on credible sources like National Geographic and USA Today. However, they also have questions and answers that appear to be product endorsements like this: The Top Benefits of Buying GE Appliances. This page features ads for GE Products.
Editorially, they do not directly create opinion content; however, when covering political issues and events, more favor the left such as this LGBTQ+ History Month: Marsha P. Johnson & 12 Other Legendary Queer Activists. In general, Reference.com serves as a reasonable encyclopedia for general information.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Reference.com as left-center biased based on coverage of political issues that favor the left. We also rate them as high for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record. (D. Van Zandt 01/01/2024) Updated (05/09/2025)
Source: https://www.reference.com/
Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources