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 appealing 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 Line as Right-Center Biased due to its consistent critique of progressive politics, favorable framing of market-oriented perspectives, and focus on perceived media and institutional bias. We rate its reporting as Mostly Factual, as it presents sourced commentary and avoids false or misleading claims, though its content is explicitly opinion-based.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (3.2)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (3.9)
Country: Canada
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: EXCELLENT
Media Type: Website/Video
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
The Line is a Canadian opinion and commentary platform launched in 2020 by journalists Jen Gerson and Matt Gurney, both former columnists at legacy outlets, including the National Post and Maclean’s. The platform describes itself as a collective of Canadian journalists committed to engaging, irreverent writing that challenges institutional conformity, illiberalism, and hypocrisy without aligning with partisan or culture war agendas. The Line publishes essays, interviews, newsletters, and podcasts focused on Canadian politics, foreign affairs, media criticism, and public discourse. The site is based in Canada and operated independently.
Read our profile on the Canadian government’s influence on media.
Funded by / Ownership
The Line is co-founded and operated by Jen Gerson and Matt Gurney, who serve as the primary editorial voices. The outlet is reader and advertiser funded, with no government subsidies. Funding comes from paid subscriptions and sponsorships, such as Innovative Medicines Canada, which regularly sponsors podcast episodes.
Analysis / Bias
The Line criticizes progressive institutions and media narratives while supporting conservative and libertarian views. For example, in the podcast “Things Liberals Can Get Away With,” Gurney and Gerson analyze perceived media and cultural double standards between Canada’s Liberals and Conservatives. The episode critiques how actions by Prime Minister Mark Carney are received more favorably than if performed by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, highlighting a recurring theme of institutional bias in favor of liberal narratives. The discussion critiques the CCPC’s internal challenges but underscores how political culture favors the Liberal brand.
In another episode, “Trump’stariff incoherence, the threat to Canada, and the Carney coalition,” Matt Gurney discusses U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and their implications for Canada’s auto sector. While critical of Trump’s unpredictability, the analysis gives weight to the strategic effectiveness of his trade policies, suggesting potential gains for the U.S. and risks for Canadian industries. The framing is pragmatic and avoids ideological praise or condemnation.
The Line positions itself as contrarian and anti-tribal, but its editorial slant frequently aligns with free-market, individualist, and civil libertarian critiques of government and media orthodoxy.
The Line publishes political commentary rather than original reporting. While its tone is informal and opinion-driven, it references current events and developments covered by mainstream outlets. Its podcasts feature guests from academia, business, and political commentary.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate The Line as Right-Center Biased due to its consistent critique of progressive politics, favorable framing of market-oriented perspectives, and focus on perceived media and institutional bias. We rate its reporting as Mostly Factual, as it presents sourced commentary and avoids false or misleading claims, though its content is explicitly opinion-based. (M. Huitsing 05/16/2025)
Source: https://www.readtheline.ca/
Last Updated on May 16, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources