These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using an appeal to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.
LEAST BIASED
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Founded in 1997, The Smoking Gun is a website that posts legal documents, arrest records, and police mugshots daily. According to their about page, “The Smoking Gun brings you exclusive documents–cool, confidential, quirky–that can’t be found elsewhere on the Web.” The editor and primary writer is William Bastone.
The website slightly lacks transparency as they do not clearly disclose ownership on the website.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
The Smoking Gun is owned by William Bastone, Andrew Goldberg, and Joseph Jesselli through the company TSG Industries Inc. Revenue is derived through advertising and sponsored content.
Analysis / Bias
In review, The Smoking Gun publishes news stories that are sourced from police reports and legal documents. According to their about page, “Using material obtained from government and law enforcement sources, via Freedom of Information requests, and from court files nationwide, we guarantee everything here is 100% authentic.” The website also features mugshots and a database of bizarre requests made by celebrities in their contracts.
The news stories use sensational headlines to grab attention, such as this More Season’s Beatings From Sunshine State but always link to evidence. The Smoking Gun primarily publishes information on the more bizarre crimes that are committed, but they do not produce editorial content, and all information is factual and sourced to documents.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate The Smoking Gun as Least Biased based on minimal editorializing. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record. (D. Van Zandt 12/14/2016) Updated (01/13/2023)
Source: http://www.thesmokinggun.com/
Last Updated on January 13, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources
