LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderate to strongly biased toward liberal causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize 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 Barbed Wire as left-biased based on consistent promotion of progressive editorial perspectives. We also rate them as mostly factual in reporting, rather than high, due to one-sided reporting that may leave out context.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT (-6.8)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (3.3)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The Barbed Wire is a progressive digital media platform launched in August 2024. As described in its About page, the site is “ideologically progressive” and aims to produce fact-first, nonpartisan journalism about Texas culture, power structures, and politics. The outlet blends cultural analysis with reporting, humor, and lifestyle content, targeting a statewide audience with a mix of serious journalism and offbeat storytelling.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
The Barbed Wire is funded by a mix of private investors, nonprofit grantors, and individual supporters, as stated on its About page. It also offers merchandise for sale and encourages recurring reader support through membership subscriptions.
Analysis / Bias
The Barbed Wire clearly leans progressive in its editorial framing, tone, and story selection. For example, in “Tesla Robotaxis Launching in Austin Amid Safety Concerns”, the outlet balances tech coverage with labor and public safety concerns. “Black Queer Trans Man Pregnant” highlights trans visibility and reproductive rights in a supportive tone.
The piece “Texas Drag Queen Legislation” critiques anti-drag laws and elevates LGBTQ+ voices in opposition. Texas Wants to Teach Kids About ‘Harmful’ Ideologies. Fascism Isn’t One of Them pushes back against right-wing cultural panic with a blend of humor and fact-based reporting. While the outlet’s perspective is clearly progressive, all articles reviewed were reasonably sourced, factually grounded, and free from sensationalism and conspiracy theories.
Failed Fact Check
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate the Barbed Wire as left-biased based on consistent promotion of progressive editorial perspectives. We also rate them as mostly factual in reporting, rather than high, due to one-sided reporting that may leave out context. (D. Van Zandt 06/20/2025)
Source: https://thebarbedwire.com/
Last Updated on June 21, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources