Last updated on November 18th, 2020 at 12:44 pm
LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal 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’s Top News (WTOP) Least Biased based on balanced story selection and use of neutral language. We further rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing of information.
Detailed Report
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
World Press Freedom Rank: USA 45/180
History
Founded in 1926, WTOP-FM is a news radio station and website covering the Washington D.C. area. The website was launched in 1996. According to their about page “WTOP delivers the latest local news, traffic and weather information to the Washington, D.C., region across multiple platforms.” Further, “WTOP has received a multitude of awards for its news coverage over the years, including the 2018 National Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence.”
Read our profile on United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
WTOP is owned by Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc., which is an American television and radio broadcasting corporation based in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was founded by Stanley E. Hubbard. WTOP is funded through advertising.
Analysis / Bias
In review, local Washington, D.C. news is covered via journalist and uses minimally loaded words in headlines such as this: Man sought in assault outside Metro station. National and international news is syndicated from the Associated Press. WTOP does not have an editorial page on its website and focuses strictly on straight news. Story selection is balanced and well-sourced. In general, there is little bias presented on the website.
A factual search reveals WTOP has not failed a fact check.
Overall, we rate Washington’s Top News (WTOP) Least Biased based on balanced story selection and use of neutral language. We further rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing of information. (D. Van Zandt 1/19/2019)
Source: https://wtop.com
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources