LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderately 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 using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information reporting that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate The Progressive Populist as left-biased due to its consistent promotion of progressive populist viewpoints. We also rate them as mixed in factual reporting due to their poor sourcing practices, which may affect the site’s objectivity and balance.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT (6.0)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (4.9)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
The Progressive Populist describes itself as reporting from the “heartland of America” on issues relevant to workers, small-business owners, family farmers, and ranchers, serving as “The People’s Voice in a Corporate World.” It was founded in November 1995 as a monthly tabloid publication and expanded to a twice-monthly publication in October 1999. The newspaper is based in Storm Lake, Iowa, with editorial offices in Austin, Texas, covering politics, economics, and social issues from a progressive populist perspective, supporting grassroots movements, and challenging corporate power.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
The Progressive Populist, published by Ampersand Publishing Co., is financially supported by subscriptions and donations. Wendy McCaw owns the parent company, Ampersand Publishing, which also owns the Santa Barbara News-Press. The Santa Barbara News-Press filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on July 21, 2023, amid significant financial and legal challenges.
Analysis / Bias
The Progressive Populist exhibits a strong left-leaning bias, focusing on progressive and populist issues. The publication covers worker rights, corporate influence in politics, and social justice, often using emotionally charged language and critiquing conservative policies.
For example, the article “America: From Democracy to Plutocracy and Now to Kleptocracy” by Jim Hightower critiques the transformation of American democracy into a kleptocracy. The article mentions the Washington Post (WaPo) and accurately reflects a claim verified through an MSN article. However, it lacks hyperlinks to sources, which can affect credibility.
Another example is the editorial “Big Lie Party Backs Their Guy,” which demonstrates a clear left-wing bias, using emotive language and labels, such as “Big Lie Party” and “flunkies,” to frame Trump and his supporters negatively while providing detailed factual information to support its stance. While the article mentions specific events and quotes, it lacks hyperlinks to the sources for claims, like the Statement by Sheriff Chad Bianco and the YouGov poll.
Additionally, The Progressive Populist republishes articles from other progressive sources, such as Ralph Nader’s website, further emphasizing its left-leaning bias.
Typically, The Progressive Populist exhibits a strong left-leaning bias, focusing on progressive populist issues and critiquing conservative policies. The publication’s lack of hyperlinks and direct sourcing can impact its credibility.
Failed Fact Checks
- There are no widely documented failed fact checks for The Progressive Populist by IFCN-approved fact-checkers; however, the lack of direct sourcing in articles may affect perceived reliability.
Overall, we rate The Progressive Populist as left-biased due to its consistent promotion of progressive populist viewpoints. We also rate them as mixed in factual reporting due to their poor sourcing practices, which may affect the site’s objectivity and balance. (M. Huitsing 07/04/2024) Updated (02/15/2025)
Source: https://populist.com/
Last Updated on February 15, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources