Shafaq News is rated Least biased with High factual reporting by Media Bias Fact Check.
LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.
- Overall, we rate Shafaq News Agency Least Biased and High Factual based on reasonable sourcing, improved transparency, and generally reliable reporting.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED (-1.8)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.7)
Country: Iraq
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: LIMITED FREEDOM
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Shafaq News Agency is an Iraq-based digital news platform established in 2011, originating from the Shafaq Foundation for Culture and Media. According to its official About page, the agency is chaired by Ali Hussein Feyli and operates with a network of correspondents both inside and outside Iraq. The outlet covers politics, security, economy, and social issues, publishing content in Arabic, Kurdish, and English for a regional and international audience.
Read our profile on the Iraqi media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Shafaq News Agency is owned and chaired by Ali Hussein Feyli, as disclosed on its official About page. The agency presents itself as an independent media organization that follows professional journalistic standards, emphasizing accuracy, balance, and editorial independence. It is unclear how they generate revenue.
Analysis / Bias
Shafaq News Agency provides timely coverage of Iraqi and regional developments using a generally straightforward reporting style. Articles such as Iraq freezes e-visas after US journalist abduction and Dawa Party reaffirms Nouri al-Maliki bid rely on official statements and present information with minimal editorialization. International coverage, such as Trump: US navy fires on Iran-flagged vessel, incorporates reporting from recognized outlets like Bloomberg alongside statements from political figures.
The outlet demonstrates reasonable sourcing practices, often utilizing government sources, field reporting, and credible international media. While some articles rely on a single or limited set of sources, as is common in breaking news, there is a general effort to present verifiable information. Editorially, they do not produce op-eds, but reporting remains largely factual and avoids strong sensationalism.
Additionally, Shafaq News Agency has established a content partnership with BBC, as outlined in this agreement and expanded in this announcement, which enhances access to internationally recognized, high-quality journalism.
Overall, Shafaq News demonstrates improved transparency, reasonable sourcing from primarily credible outlets, and generally reliable reporting.
Failed Fact Checks
- None to date
Overall, we rate Shafaq News Agency Least Biased and High Factual based on reasonable sourcing, improved transparency, and generally reliable reporting. (M. Huitsing 05/16/2020) Updated (04/20/2026)
Source: https://www.shafaq.com/
Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check
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