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 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
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
World Press Freedom Rank: USA 45/180
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 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 has 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. Most stories are accompanied by a video from the TV station. National news is typically covered by CNN, Associated Press and other Hearst affiliates.
Editorially, WTAE reports on politics and produces commentary that is usually balanced, however slightly more favor a liberal perspective such as this WTAE Editorial: Protests in, around Pittsburgh held to combat racial injustice. In general, the news is reported factually with a very slight left-leaning editorial bias.
Failed Fact Checks
- None to date
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)
Source: https://www.wtae.com/