RIGHT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate the Washington Free Beacon Right Biased based on story selection that favors the right and Mixed for factual reporting due to misleading and false claims.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT (7.7)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (5.9)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
The Washington Free Beacon is an American politically conservative political journalism website that publishes news and opinion commentary. Founded in 2012, the editor-in-chief is Matthew Continetti.
The site is noted for its conservative reporting, modeled after liberal counterparts in the media such as ThinkProgress and Talking Points Memo, intended to publicize stories and influence mainstream media coverage.
From October 2015 to May 2016, the Washington Free Beacon hired Fusion GPS to conduct opposition research on “multiple candidates” during the 2016 presidential election, including Donald Trump. The Free Beacon stopped funding this research when Donald Trump had clinched the Republican nomination.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
The Washington Free Beacon is a privately owned, for-profit online newspaper primarily funded through online advertising. The website is financially backed by Paul Singer, an American billionaire hedge fund manager and Republican donor.
Analysis / Bias
The Washington Free Beacon demonstrates a consistent right-leaning bias through its use of loaded language, selective story choice, and occasional issues in factual reporting. The publication frequently employs charged language in its headlines and articles, often framing issues to cast liberal or progressive figures in a negative light. For example, headlines like “Biden’s Energy Secretary Tied to Radical Environmental Groups” and “Harris Gives Up on Men, Courts Angsty Resistance Women Who Scream at Children” use phrasing that emphasizes conservative viewpoints while downplaying similar issues on the right.
In terms of story selection, the Washington Free Beacon tends to prioritize topics that align with conservative interests, such as criticism of progressive policies, immigration reform, and perceived excesses of “woke” culture. This pattern of selective focus can lead readers to perceive certain issues as more urgent while reinforcing a conservative narrative.
In terms of sourcing, the Washington Free Beacon generally references credible sources but has been known to rely on other right-leaning outlets, such as The Daily Caller and Fox News, without providing corroborating information from more neutral or diverse perspectives. This sourcing approach can amplify ideological slant, especially when conservative sources are used to frame reports in favor of a right-leaning perspective. Additionally, the publication has been noted for omitting context that might balance its coverage. For instance, articles about government spending or deficits under Democratic leadership may lack comparable analysis of Republican fiscal policies, leaving readers with a one-sided understanding of economic issues.
Regarding factual reporting, the Washington Free Beacon has a mixed track record. See below.
Failed Fact Checks
- Gender Pay Gap in Clinton’s Senate Office? – False
- 7 Hillary Clinton quotes on the Internet that are complete fakes – False
- Minnesota Democrat Ilhan Omar held “secret fundraisers” with “Islamic groups tied to terror.” – False
- In the summer of 2019, based on advice from an advocate general, the European Court of Justice required “Jewish-made” products to be labeled as such. – False
- Biden Administration To Fund Crack Pipes, Heroin – False
- “The Biden administration is floating a new” climate strategy: Don’t leave your house.” – Mostly False
Overall, we rate the Washington Free Beacon Right Biased based on story selection that favors the right and Mixed for factual reporting due to misleading and false claims. (7/19/2016) Updated (D. Van Zandt 12/28/2024)
Source: https://freebeacon.com/
Last Updated on December 28, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources