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 appeals 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 TMZ as Right-Center Biased based on story selection that favors the right and Mixed for factual reporting due to sensational headlines and poor sources.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
TMZ is a celebrity news website that debuted on November 8, 2005. It was initially a collaboration between AOL and Telepictures Productions, a division of Warner Bros., until Time Warner divested AOL in 2009. The name TMZ stands for thirty-mile zone, referencing the historic “studio zone” within a 30-mile radius centered in Los Angeles, California. Known for reporting on Hollywood scandals, TMZ has been a significant player in the entertainment news industry. As of September 2021, TMZ was acquired by Fox Corporation from WarnerMedia.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
TMZ is owned by Fox Corporation, having been acquired from WarnerMedia in September 2021 for $50 million. The website generates revenue through advertising.
Analysis / Bias
In this updated review, TMZ’s editorial bias appears to have shifted. Historically focused on celebrity news and Hollywood scandals, TMZ has expanded its coverage to include more political issues. A review of recent content reveals a notable emphasis on topics that are typically associated with right-leaning perspectives. For example, TMZ has covered the “border crisis” with a frequency and framing that suggests a focus on issues highlighted by conservative media. Similarly, their coverage of President Biden and his administration tends to cast them in a negative light, diverging from their previously less politicized content. While these statements are not directly from TMZ, they demonstrate a willingness to air far-right viewpoints from celebrities they may not have covered in the past.
These editorial changes align with the website’s ownership transition to Fox Corporation, a move that might influence its political orientation. While TMZ still retains its sensationalized and tabloid-style reporting: MEGHAN MARKLE & PRINCE HARRY At The MLB Game In London BABY ARCHIE’S AN HONORARY YANK!!! , the inclusion of politically charged topics and a right-leaning narrative marks a notable shift in its editorial direction.
When it comes to sourcing, TMZ frequently relies on unnamed sources. In general, this is a tabloid rag that is 1 degree better in quality than the National Enquirer.
Failed Fact Checks
- TMZ does not usually fail fact checks and often debunks false claims. However, the sensationalism of the content and the opinions of celebrities may be misleading or be false.
Overall, we rate TMZ as Right-Center Biased based on story selection that favors the right and Mixed for factual reporting due to sensational headlines and poor sources. (D. Van Zandt 1/13/2017) Updated (01/23/2024)
Source: https://www.tmz.com/
Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources