LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate Tortoise Media as Left-Center biased due to its editorial slant favoring progressive perspectives, particularly on international affairs and UK-EU relations. However, its rigorous investigative approach, transparent funding model, and clean fact-check record contribute to its High Factual Rating.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-4.8)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.9)
Country: United Kingdom
Press Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Tortoise Media was founded in 2019 by James Harding, former BBC News director, alongside Matthew Barzun, former U.S. Ambassador to the UK. Positioning itself as a “slow news” outlet, Tortoise focuses on in-depth journalism over breaking news, emphasizing investigative reporting and long-form analysis. In December 2024, Tortoise announced its acquisition of The Observer, the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper.
Read our profile on the UK media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Tortoise Media is primarily funded through paid memberships, with additional funding from investors. According to its FAQ page, members help sustain independent journalism through subscriptions. However, Tortoise has also received significant external investments. The 2024 acquisition of The Observer involved a £25 million investment, with a 9% stake acquired by The Scott Trust, which also owns The Guardian. Other backers include philanthropist Gary Lubner’s foundation, This Day, and Standard Investments, both supporting progressive causes.
Analysis / Bias
Tortoise Media’s coverage leans left, often favoring progressive-liberal political narratives and critical views of right-leaning figures. Their article “Netanyahu goes back to war to cling to power” criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting his military decisions are politically motivated. Similarly, “Trump’s strategy for Ukraine is to surrender” portrays U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine as weak and defeatist.
Domestically, their article “Labour has to rebuild ties with Europe” advocates for the UK’s Labour Party to repair post-Brexit relations with the EU, aligning with a pro-European, left-leaning stance. Additionally, their global coverage, such as “Uganda court backs new anti-LGBT law”, highlights progressive concerns about human rights violations, reinforcing their alignment with liberal perspectives.
While Tortoise maintains a strong commitment to factual accuracy, its editorial choices reflect a strongly left-center worldview, particularly in its coverage of international conflicts, right-wing leaders, and progressive policies.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Tortoise Media as Left-Center biased due to its editorial slant favoring progressive perspectives, particularly on international affairs and UK-EU relations. However, its rigorous investigative approach, transparent funding model, and clean fact-check record contribute to its High Factual Rating. (D. Van Zandt 03/19/2025)
Source: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/
Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
Do you appreciate our work? Please consider one of the following ways to sustain us.
or
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources