LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderate 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 appealing 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 Under the Desk News as Left Biased based on its explicit advocacy framing and consistently one-sided coverage of political and social issues. We also rate them Mostly Factual in reporting due to heavy reliance on anonymous sources, emotionally charged language, and opinion-driven narratives that frequently blur the line between reporting and activism.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT (-6.5)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (3.9)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Under the Desk News is a news and commentary outlet founded by V Spehar, who hosts and produces the platform across TikTok and Substack. According to its About page, the outlet began as short-form TikTok videos explaining current events and has grown into a reader-supported Substack focused on politics, social justice, and cultural issues, primarily targeting Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Under the Desk News is independently owned and operated by V Spehar and is funded through Substack subscriptions, reader support, and social media monetization, including TikTok revenue.
Analysis / Bias
Under the Desk News is an advocacy-driven news and commentary platform that blends reporting with strong editorial framing. Coverage consistently centers progressive and activist perspectives, particularly on LGBTQ+ issues, immigration, and criticism of conservative political actors. For example, the article Left on Read: Sources Talk About LGBTQ+ Resiliency Under the Anti-Trans Machine frames employment challenges for transgender individuals almost exclusively through a systemic oppression narrative tied to the Trump administration, while presenting minimal countervailing viewpoints or policy context.
Similarly, The Trump Administration Systematically Alters Transgender Adults’ Federal Identities relies heavily on anonymous sources and advocacy-aligned interpretations of executive orders, using emotionally charged language and speculative conclusions about intent and future harm. In It’s Time to ABOLISH ICE, the outlet explicitly calls for dismantling a federal agency, employing inflammatory rhetoric, moral judgments, and selective historical examples while omitting substantive arguments in favor of immigration enforcement or institutional reform.
While articles frequently reference real events, executive orders, and media reports, sourcing is often selective, interpretive, and framed to support predetermined conclusions. The consistent use of activist language, rhetorical questions, and calls to action places the outlet firmly in the realm of opinionated advocacy journalism rather than neutral reporting.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Under the Desk News as Left Biased based on its explicit advocacy framing and consistently one-sided coverage of political and social issues. We also rate them Mostly Factual in reporting due to heavy reliance on anonymous sources, emotionally charged language, and opinion-driven narratives that frequently blur the line between reporting and activism. (D. Van Zandt 02/04/2026)
Source: https://underthedesknews.substack.com/
Last Updated on February 8, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources