LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using an 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 WTAE Pittsburgh’s Action News Least Biased based on story selection and reasonably balanced editorial positions. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: TV Station
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Founded in 1957, WTAE-TV is an ABC-affiliated television station licensed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Wtae.com is the associated website for Pittsburgh’s Action News.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
WTAE-TV and WTAE.com are owned by Hearst Communications, which owns newspapers, magazines, television channels, and television stations, including the San Francisco Chronicle, the Houston Chronicle, and Esquire. According to Open Secrets, Hearst donated 70% to Republican candidates and causes in 2020. Revenue is derived through advertising.
Analysis / Bias
In review, WTAE Action News reports on news, crime, sports, weather, and entertainment for the greater Pittsburgh area. Local news is covered through reporters with minimal bias in wording, such as this Coronavirus in Western Pa.: Over 6,700 cases in 14 counties, according to PA Dept. of Health. A video accompanies most stories from the TV station. The national news is typically covered by CNN, Associated Press, and other Hearst affiliates.
Editorially, WTAE reports on politics and produces usually balanced commentary; however, slightly more favor a liberal perspective such as this WTAE Editorial: Protests in, around Pittsburgh held to combat racial injustice. Generally, the news is reported factually with a slight left-leaning editorial bias.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate WTAE Pittsburgh’s Action News Least Biased based on story selection and reasonably balanced editorial positions. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record. (D. Van Zandt 7/6/2020) Updated (06/29/2022)
Source: https://www.wtae.com/
Last Updated on July 1, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources