These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes).  The reporting is factual and usually sourced.  These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased sources.

• Overall, we rate Washington Journal as Least Biased based on interviewing guests from both the left and right and minimally interjecting editorial opinions. We also rate them High for factual reporting based on a clean fact check record by the hosts.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: TV Station
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Launched in 1995, Washington Journal is an American television series on the C-SPAN network in a political call-in and interview format. The program features elected officials, government administrators, and journalists as guests, answering questions from the hosts and members of the general public who call into the studio or submit questions via e-mail and social media. Steve Scully serves as political editor and senior producer.

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

C-SPAN publishes and broadcasts the Washington Journal, owned by National Satellite Cable Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. “C-SPAN began airing internet commercials early in 2021 and offering C-SPAN-themed clothing though not soliciting donations on-air; nonetheless, as a non-commercial public service, it receives most of its funding from subscriber fees charged to cable and direct-broadcast satellite (DBS) operators.”

Analysis / Bias

The Washington Journal screens calls to ensure that all sides of the political spectrum are represented. Their panel also consists of journalists who represent both left and right. In addition, the website features videos from the TV show that are low biased and provide a verbatim text transcript, such as this John Wood Jr. on Efforts to Reduce Political Polarization.

The guests on Wahington Journal usually consist of elected officials, those involved in government, or experts in the field. Many guests are highly biased, representing both the right and left; however, the hosts ask direct questions and typically do not lead guests. While the hosts certainly have biases, there is a reasonable balance presented. Therefore, Washington Journal is factual in reporting and low biased.

Failed Fact Checks

• Guests on the show often make false claims, but there is no record of the hosts making false claims.

Overall, we rate Washington Journal as Least Biased based on interviewing guests from both the left and right and minimally interjecting editorial opinions. We also rate them High for factual reporting based on a clean fact check record by the hosts. (D. Van Zandt 7/29/2017) Updated (10/31/2022)

Source: https://www.c-span.org/series/?washingtonJournal