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 SFist as Left-Center Biased due to its consistent support for progressive policies and community-focused reporting. We also rate it High in factual reporting for its reliance on credible local sources, though its narrative-driven approach may reflect a selective emphasis on issues relevant to San Francisco’s progressive-leaning community.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-4.8)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.5)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
SFist was founded in 2004 by Jake Dobkin and Jen Chung as part of the Gothamist network to cover local news in San Francisco. The site focuses on news, events, food, and entertainment, reflecting local issues and culture in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Read our profile on USA Media and Government.
Funded by / Ownership
SFist is owned by Impress3 Media, which acquired the site and its assets from New York Public Radio in January 2019. Zachary Chen is the CEO and Co-Founder of Impress3 Media. He also owns SFist and Hoodline, among other local news sites. The site generates revenue through advertising, sponsorships, and digital engagement, typical of online media business models.
Analysis / Bias
SFist covers a wide range of topics, primarily focusing on local issues in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Its reporting also addresses social issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights and climate change, often reflecting progressive perspectives.
In the article “Mayor Breed Touts 60% Drop in Tents on Streets, Mandelman’s District 8 Supposedly Has Just One Tent,” SFist discusses the reduction in tents on San Francisco streets, citing local data and referencing external sources such as The San Francisco Chronicle (rated by MBFC as Left-Center Bias) and KDKA CBS Pittsburgh (rated by MBFC as Left-Center Bias). The article discusses the city’s progress in reducing visible homelessness but does not provide a substantial critique of the larger homelessness issue.
In the article “A New Group of Silicon Valley Techies Are Now Trying to Build A North Bay Village,” SFist reports on a new development project in Cloverdale, citing The Press Democrat (rated by MBFC as Left-Center Bias) and The San Francisco Chronicle. The article discusses the potential of the project but primarily reflects the local excitement around the development, relying heavily on regional sources that may have a vested interest in promoting such projects.
SFist mainly relies on local reporting, official statements, and coverage from regional sources. Its stories frequently reference statements from city officials, nonprofit organizations, and community groups, providing a range of local perspectives. However, the site sometimes leans into narrative-driven storytelling, occasionally emphasizing local viewpoints over broad national or global perspectives.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate SFist as Left-Center Biased due to its consistent support for progressive policies and community-focused reporting. We also rate it High in factual reporting for its reliance on credible local sources, though its narrative-driven approach may reflect a selective emphasis on issues relevant to San Francisco’s progressive-leaning community. (M. Huitsing 11/15/2024)
Source: https://sfist.com/
Last Updated on November 15, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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