LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate 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 liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information, but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate The Ferret as Left-Center biased based on its editorial and story selection, which moderately favors a progressive perspective. We also rate them as High for factual reporting, due to their proper sourcing and serving as credible fact-checkers for the last 10 years.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-3.5)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.0)
Country: United Kingdom
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The Ferret was established in 2015 as a reader- and journalist-owned investigative journalism cooperative based in Scotland. Founded by journalists including Billy Briggs, Rob Edwards, and Rachel Hamada, it was created to revive public interest reporting amid collapsing advertising revenues. The Ferret operates as a not-for-profit, independent media outlet with a unique hybrid ownership model that allows both journalists and subscribers to serve on its board and influence editorial direction. It was the first Scottish outlet regulated by IMPRESS and is committed to non-partisanship, transparency, and public accountability.
Read our profile on the UK’s media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
The Ferret is owned by its members and funded through a combination of subscriptions, grants, event fees, and story sales. It maintains editorial independence in all partnerships and collaborations, which include BBC, The Guardian, Daily Record, The Times, and other major UK outlets. Past funders have included the Google Digital News Initiative. The governance structure includes journalist and reader directors, as well as independent directors, ensuring separation between editorial and oversight roles.
Analysis / Bias
The Ferret’s journalism exhibits a slight progressive tilt in issue framing, yet consistently maintains a balanced and evidence-based editorial tone. The site prioritizes social justice, environmental responsibility, and human rights, while explicitly avoiding party alignment. Its long-form investigations often highlight stories undercovered by mainstream outlets.
In “A teen took his own life in foster care. His migrant mother says cultural bias led to her family being ripped apart”, The Ferret presents a complex, empathetic narrative centered on systemic racism and child protection policy. The story incorporates legal documents, firsthand interviews, opposing viewpoints, and corroborating data from migrant-rights organizations. Despite its sympathetic tone toward the mother, the piece avoids polemic and reflects a commitment to fairness and documentation.
In another example, “Firm linked to North Sea oil giant renews IDF contract”, the site critiques corporate links to the Israeli military and environmental implications, consistent with scientifically supported climate reporting. While the framing leans left, factual accuracy and journalistic integrity are preserved throughout.
The Ferret’s fact-checking vertical, Ferret Fact Service, was previously certified by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) but is no longer an active IFCN signatory as of 2025. While the site claims to continue adhering to IFCN principles, it does not currently hold an official, verified status. Nonetheless, its fact-checks remain transparent and well-sourced, including the Trump-related claim on his visit to Scotland, which used primary data and public records. The service still offers methodology transparency, invites reader input, and applies a clear ratings scale.
Failed Fact Checks
- There are no known failed fact checks from third-party organizations. The Ferret’s editorial and fact-checking teams demonstrate consistent commitment to correction, transparency, and source documentation.
Overall, we rate The Ferret as Left-Center biased based on its editorial and story selection, which moderately favors a progressive perspective. We also rate them as High for factual reporting, due to their proper sourcing and serving as credible fact-checkers for the last 10 years. (D. Van Zandt 08/05/2025)
Source: https://theferret.scot/
Last Updated on August 5, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources