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 The Virginia Mercury Left-Center Biased based on story selection and editorial positions that moderately favor the left. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing of information and clean fact check record.
Detailed Report
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA World Press Freedom Rank: USA 48/180
History
Founded in 2018, The Virginia Mercury is an independent news and opinion website covering Virginia politics and events. According to their about page “The Virginia Mercury is an independent, nonprofit online news organization covering state government and policy. From the push to remove Confederate statues to big shifts in health care and energy policy, the Old Dominion is changing. The Mercury aims to bring a fresh perspective to coverage of the state’s biggest issues.” The current editor is Robert Zullo.
The Virginia Mercury is part of The Newsroom network of state government and policy news sites, which is supported by the Hopewell Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Funded by / Ownership
The Virginia Mercury is a nonprofit that is funded through donations.
Analysis / Bias
In review, The Virginia Mercury is news website that focuses on Virginia politics and policy. They frequently report on criminal justice, healthcare, the environment and education. Articles are typically properly sourced to credible media outlets and minimal loaded language is used in headlines, such as this: As prisoners continue to die, Virginia appeals federal court order mandating better health care. Editorially, The Virginia Mercury leans left through advocacy of policy that is associated with the Democratic Party. For example, they support the scientific consensus on Climate Change, as well as improving access to health care and improving public education. In general, they are factual in reporting with a left leaning editorial bias.
A factual search reveals they have not failed a fact check.
Overall, we rate The Virginia Mercury Left-Center Biased based on story selection and editorial positions that moderately favor the left. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing of information and clean fact check record. (D. Van Zandt 08/23/2019)
LEFT-CENTER BIAS