LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderate to strongly biased toward liberal causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate West End Phoenix as Left-Biased due to its consistent focus on progressive policy positions. We also rate its reporting as High for factual accuracy based on editorial transparency and good sourcing practices.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT (-6.0)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.8)
Country: Canada
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Newspaper
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
West End Phoenix is a local, nonprofit community newspaper founded in 2017 and based in Toronto’s West End. It publishes a broadsheet print edition and online features focused on hyperlocal reporting, arts, and cultural commentary. It is a member of the Press Forward network, a collective of independent Canadian media outlets emphasizing community-based, public-interest journalism. West End Phoenix adheres to the network’s 10 guiding principles, which emphasize truth-telling, accountability, equity, and service to local communities.
Read our profile on the Canadian government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
West End Phoenix is independently operated and sustained primarily through reader subscriptions, donations from patrons, and ad partnerships with local businesses. It does not rely on corporate advertising, instead offering subscriptions, patronage, and limited advertising opportunities to fund its operations. It is led by Editor-in-Chief Dave Bidini, a Canadian journalist and musician.
Analysis / Bias
West End Phoenix exhibits a progressive editorial focus consistent with other Press Forward members. For example, “Why the Future of Toronto is a Pile of Garbage” critiques the city’s waste management failures, linking local neglect to broader systemic and environmental issues. “Vanishing Point” examines queer erasure in urban development, centering LGBTQ+ perspectives and cultural memory.
The publication avoids sensationalism and emphasizes arts, activism, and civic dialogue. Its articles are generally well-written, fact-based, and focused on local voices. It aligns with a Left-Leaning perspective due to its consistent framing around equity, inclusion, and environmental responsibility.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate West End Phoenix as Left-Biased due to its consistent focus on progressive policy positions. We also rate its reporting as High for factual accuracy based on editorial transparency and good sourcing practices. (M. Huitsing 06/24/2025)
Source: https://www.westendphoenix.com/
Last Updated on June 24, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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