The Capitolist - Bias and Credibility

RIGHT-CENTER BIAS

These media sources are slight to moderately conservative in 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 conservative causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Right-Center sources.

Overall, we rate The Capitolist as Right-Center Biased due to its consistent alignment with conservative and pro-business perspectives and favorable coverage of Republican leaders. It is rated Mixed for Factual reporting due to concerns over transparency in funding and selective scrutiny in its reporting.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (4.8)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (4.6)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY

History

The Capitolist is a Florida-based news outlet founded in 2016 by Brian Burgess, a former communications director for Florida Governor Rick Scott. (2015-2019) The site focuses on Florida’s political, business, and policy developments, presenting itself as a resource for the state’s political and business elite. It offers a mix of original reporting and opinion content aimed at shaping public discourse around free-market principles and conservative policies.

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

The Capitolist is privately owned by its founder, Brian Burgess. It generates revenue through advertising and sponsorships, often supported by Florida businesses and organizations. Investigations have revealed that The Capitolist received indirect funding from Florida Power & Light (FPL) through consulting firms, raising questions about its editorial independence. These financial relationships have reportedly influenced its content, including favorable coverage of corporate interests and criticism of policies opposing business deregulation.

Analysis / Bias

The Capitolist leans Right-Center Biased, consistently favoring pro-business policies and Republican governance. Its coverage of GOP figures often emphasizes their successes and frames their policies positively. For example, articles frequently highlight Governor Ron DeSantis’s policy achievements, while Democratic politicians, such as former Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, often face critical scrutiny. Stories like “Nikki Fried admits secret stake in marijuana company. How she got it remains a mystery.” emphasize controversies involving Democrats, reflecting the site’s partisan editorial tone.

While The Capitolist occasionally offers balanced perspectives, such as in “Trump nominates Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, with predictable reactions,” which acknowledges both criticisms and defenses, its overall framing skews toward promoting Republican perspectives. The outlet demonstrates reasonable sourcing practices by referencing mainstream outlets like Politico and government documents and reports.

Failed Fact Checks

None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate The Capitolist as Right-Center Biased due to its consistent alignment with conservative and pro-business perspectives and favorable coverage of Republican leaders. It is rated Mixed for Factual reporting due to concerns over transparency in funding and selective scrutiny in its reporting. (M. Huitsing 11/27/2024)

Source: https://thecapitolist.com/

Last Updated on November 27, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check