The Root

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 an appeal 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 Root Left Biased based on story selection that favors the left and Mostly Factual in reporting due to proper sourcing of information and one failed fact check.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEFT
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

The Root is an English-language American online magazine of African-American culture launched on January 28, 2008, by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Donald E. Graham. Danielle Belton is the current editor-in-chief.

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

The Root is owned by G/O Media Inc., a media company that runs Gizmodo, Kotaku, Jezebel, The Onion, and other sister websites. G/O was formed in early 2019 when Great Hill Partners, a private equity firm, purchased the websites from Univision. Revenue is derived from advertising.

Analysis / Bias

In review, The Root publishes news and opinion stories with a focus on the African-American perspective. Headlines and articles utilize moderately loaded words such as this: Bernie Sanders Takes on Unjust Cash Bail System, but Still Doesn’t Make Direct Connection to Institutional Racism. Story selection leans left with many stories on the topics of civil rights and institutional racism. The Root always sources its information from credible media sources that are typically high for factual reporting.

Editorially, most stories favor a liberal perspective.

Failed Fact Checks

• Amy Coney Barrett ruled that police did not knowingly violate Black teen’s rights – False

Overall, we rate The Root Left Biased based on story selection that favors the left and Mostly Factual in reporting due to proper sourcing of information and one failed fact check. (8/29/2016) Updated (D. Van Zandt 01/13/2023)

Source: https://www.theroot.com/