LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderate to strongly biased toward liberal causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may use strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate the South Dakota Searchlight Left Biased based on editorial positions that routinely favor the left. We also rate them High in factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean check record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The South Dakota Searchlight is an online news website from South Dakota. Their about statement reads, “We use our journalistic searchlight to illuminate critical issues facing South Dakota, dissect the decisions made by state leaders, and explain the consequences of their policies and the role of politics on South Dakotans. “
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
According to their about page, the South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers. States Newsroom publishes 28 other publications. The South Dakota Searchlight is transparent as they link to the States Newsroom donors page. Initially, when they launched, they got fiscal sponsorship from the Hopewell Foundation; however, once the IRS approved their application for 501(c)(3) charity certification, they severed their ties with Hopewell Foundation. There has been criticism of their involvement with the Hopewell Foundation, and they have responded to the criticism here.
Analysis / Bias
The South Dakota Searchlight publishes original news reporting on politics and policy from South Dakota. Coverage focuses on the legislature, the environment, and how national policy affects the people of Nebraska. Articles and headlines promote liberal perspectives through moderate, loaded language Climate change is pushing wildfire smoke farther east in South Dakota.
They properly source, linking to credible sources such as whitehouse.gov, Washington Post, Politico, Center for Responsive Politics (Open Secrets), and bls.gov (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Editorially, opinion pieces favor the left, such as this In South Dakota and elsewhere, voters spoke clearly on health care. On the issues, the Nebraska Examiner promotes LGBT equality and has concerns about climate change. Finally, they frequently report negatively on Republican politicians, such as this Rounds criticizes Trump’s call for ‘termination’ of the Constitution. The South Dakota Searchlight generally reports news factually; however, story selection and op-eds strongly favor a liberal perspective.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate the South Dakota Searchlight Left Biased based on editorial positions that routinely favor the left. We also rate them High in factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean check record. (M. Huitsing 01/07/2023)
Source: https://southdakotasearchlight.com/
Last Updated on June 30, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources