LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate progressive/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 progressive/liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information, but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate the Violence Policy Center as Left-Center Biased due to its consistent policy advocacy for gun control, framing of firearms as a public health threat, and critical positioning against the NRA and firearms industry. We rate its reporting as High for factual accuracy due to its use of primary government sources and long-standing transparency in research methodology.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-4.8)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.5)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The Violence Policy Center (VPC) is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit founded in 1988 by Josh Sugarmann. It positions itself as a leading organization in gun violence prevention research and advocacy. VPC is known for exposing firearm industry practices and advocating for stricter gun regulations. Its approach frames gun violence as a public health crisis and promotes legislative and regulatory reforms across local, state, and federal levels.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
VPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. According to InfluenceWatch, its funding has included contributions from liberal-leaning foundations such as the Joyce Foundation, the David Bohnett Foundation, and the Herb Block Foundation. The organization also accepts public donations and conducts independent fundraising. It has no corporate or political affiliations and operates independently under the guidance of a board of directors.
Analysis / Bias
VPC exhibits a clear left-leaning bias rooted in strong anti-gun advocacy. Its content is fact-based and policy-focused, but it openly aims to restrict or ban many categories of firearms. For instance, its recent report, “Silencers: A Threat to Public Safety” criticizes efforts to deregulate firearm suppressors, calling them a “military-bred accessory” that increases risks to public safety. The full report, accessible at gunindustryaccountability.org, warns against creating new markets for guns with integral silencers.
The VPC’s “Blood Money” investigations reveal deep financial ties between the gun industry and the NRA, framing the NRA as a corporate front for weapons manufacturers like Smith & Wesson and Remington.
Other studies, such as “Trump Administration Reviving Federal Guns-for-Felons Program” and “Concealed Carry Killers,” underscore a pattern of highlighting systemic failures, corporate lobbying, and deregulatory policies—especially from conservative administrations. This issue framing aligns with progressive values on gun control and public safety.
While the tone is advocacy-driven, the VPC consistently cites federal data, policy records, and legal precedent. However, their conclusions often lack representation of opposing views, and reports rarely include neutral counterarguments, making the editorial position clear and ideologically left-aligned.
Failed Fact Checks
- None from IFCN-certified fact-checkers; however, some criticisms have been raised by right-leaning outlets, questioning the framing and interpretation of the data. These critiques do not indicate outright falsehoods but reflect partisan disagreement over policy and analysis.
Overall, we rate the Violence Policy Center as Left-Center Biased due to its consistent policy advocacy for gun control, framing of firearms as a public health threat, and critical positioning against the NRA and firearms industry. We rate its reporting as High for factual accuracy due to its use of primary government sources and long-standing transparency in research methodology. (D. Van Zandt 06/28/2025)
Source: https://vpc.org/
Last Updated on June 28, 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