Media Bias Fact Check Review:
based on real mystery shopping

A*Help Score: 87/100
🔥 published February 24, 2025 - updated February 25, 2025

Quick Overview

Media Bias Fact Check is an extensive media bias database, one of the most meticulous online. With over 9,000 media sources listed, it aims to help people identify bias and misinformation. The platform offers a search feature where users can check the bias of any news source by name or URL to navigate the overwhelming flood of information online.

The Good
  • Outstanding source evaluation
  • Effective visual communication
The Bad
  • No detailed breakdowns
  • Unappealing design

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MBFC provides a Media News Daily section with journalism-related news updates and Daily Vetted Fact Checks — compilations sourced from verified organizations only. These go through additional inspection to double-check their credibility. When MBFC disagrees with the original fact-checkers, they provide alternative ratings. In short, MBFC is a watchdog, “fact-checking the fact-checkers”, as they have put it, to keep an eye on bias in media.

Media Bias Fact Check Review 2025

Value for Money 37/40 ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Is MBFC Worth Your Time?

MBFC follows a structured methodology to rate sources. They incorporate diverse references including peer-reviewed research, journal articles, and reputable international media outlets. Evaluations are based on a mix of objective metrics and subjective analysis, following MBFC’s outlined methodology. The site acknowledges that said methodology is U.S.-centric, which is a plus to its transparency but knocks some points off. The database lists media sources from around the world, after all, and the regional context should be taken into account.

Media Bias Fact Check Review 2025

While MBFC provides brief contextual explanations for its ratings, it does not always trace false claims in detail. Some users might miss in-depth breakdowns. It’s harder for casual readers to follow the journey of a misleading claim from its origin to its correction. Then again, it’s not the goal of the site, and you can click through to the original article with more detailed information. 

MBFC acknowledges that mistakes happen and offers a correction process. Users can report factual errors to the editor, and significant changes — like reclassifications of sources due to ownership changes — are logged on a dedicated page

Media Bias Fact Check Review 2025

MBFC is 100% independent and does not accept funding from corporations, political parties, or advocacy groups. Revenue sources are disclosed on the site and include: third-party ads based on user search history and web content (35%), donations including PayPal and Patreon with tiers from $2 to $10 per month (5%), and paid memberships (65%). Users can become ad-free members with subscriptions ranging from $3 to $5 per month. While advertising makes up a significant portion of its revenue, MBFC argues that third-party ad selection helps maintain neutrality — understandable. The site doesn’t directly control which ads appear on it.

Founded in 2015, MBFC operates as an independent site dedicated to exposing media bias and misinformation. The website is run by Dave Van Zandt, along with a team of volunteers and contractors who research and maintain the database.

17/20
Clear Methodology
20/20
Transparency

Overall Experience 50/60 ⭐⭐⭐⭐: MBFC Makes Sure You Know Were Your Info Comes From

MBFC presents vetted fact-checks in a table format with visual indicators to highlight the legitimacy of claims. It is very easy for users to quickly assess the information’s credibility.

Media Bias Fact Check Review 2025

MBFC categorizes media sources by political bias, ranging from Extreme Left or Extreme Right to Least Biased. It also includes informative categories like Questionable, Conspiracy-Pseudoscience, and Satire. Additionally, separate sources (including individual politicians) are ranked on a vertical Factual Rating scale from Factual Reporting to Very Low. This layered classification might confuse you at first, but it provides a nuanced view of a source’s reliability and proves very handy once you get the gist of it.

Media Bias Fact Check Review 2025

MBFC integrates citations within the text rather than listing them separately at the end. Users can submit news sources for evaluation, but the website sets clear guidelines: sources must have a legitimate website and be related to politics. Facebook pages or groups without external verification are not accepted.

MBFC encourages community participation: you can suggest corrections and engage in discussions right under the articles in an open comment section, no matter how dead it is.

20/20
Clarity of Judgement
10/20
Sources Listed
15/20
Community Engagement

The Verdict

Media Bias Fact Check is a reliable fact-checking resource that provides structured bias ratings and factual accuracy assessments. Its independent funding model and clear methodology add to its credibility. While it offers strong verdict displays and transparent financing, some areas — like deeper misinformation tracing, design, and bibliographies — could improve. If you’re looking for a straightforward tool to check bias and media credibility, MBFC is worth using.

FAQ

What is media bias?

Media bias refers to the perceived or real partiality in news reporting, where outlets may lean toward certain political or ideological interests. Bias can be present in story selection, the wording used in headings and articles, or the framing of presented information.

Is Media Bias Fact Check accurate?

MBFC follows a detailed methodology and cross-references reputable sources. However, as with any fact-checker, subjectivity can be involved, particularly in bias ratings.

Is Media Bias Fact Check liberal?

MBFC does not align with any political party. It evaluates media across the spectrum, including both left- and right-leaning sources. Some critics argue that bias labeling can be subjective.

Is Media Bias Fact Check reliable?

After conducting our research, we say: yes, it is. MBFC uses credible sources and multiple layers of verification to assess bias and accuracy. While it has limitations, it is one of the most detailed bias-rating platforms available.

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