On this page are listed - in no special order - a number of organizations that are worth a look in terms of trying to navigate the world of media bias. Some might lean more toward news, others more toward opinion, and still others that serve as media watchdogs.
buyer beware
The Sinclair Broadcast Group owns or operates about 123 local broadcasting stations across the country,* covering about 40% of American households. The group has been criticized by some, applauded by others, for its conservative slant to reporting, and apparent requirements that local stations air certain conservative segments. The company is currently awaiting FCC approval to purchase additional stations around the country, which by some accounts would give it coverage of about 70% of American households. How free is our press if they are required to promote a particular piece of propaganda?
* Wikipedia is a reference source I usually take with a grain of salt. But I did find this list interesting - and convenient. You can always verify ownership of your local station if it occurs on this list.
“Sinclair has been putting right-wing or pro-Trump flourishes on local news. Two Sinclair honchos, Mark Hyman and Boris Epshteyn, star in conservative video commentary segments that are distributed to TV stations on a “must-air” basis.”
The folks at AllSides come from the left, center, and right of our political spectrum. The group provides information and discussion so that people can digest the issues and come to their own conclusions. Their motto is: "Don't be fooled by bias. Think for yourself."
Snopes has been fact checking and researching urban legends since 1994. According to their website, "neither the site nor its operators has ever received monies from (or been engaged in any business or editorial relationship with), any sponsor, political party, religious group, outside business organization, or government agency" that is not disclosed on this link.
Note: Snopes survives, in part, on advertising money. That doesn't necessarily mean you should believe any of the ads or promotions on their site.
Media Bias/Fact Check (MBFC News) is dedicated to educating the public on media bias and deceptive news practices. MBFC News’ aim is to inspire action and a rejection of overtly biased media. We want to return to an era of straight forward news reporting. MBFC News is considered an independent news outlet, with funding coming from site advertising, individual donors, and "the pockets of our bias checkers."
MBFC allows you to check the bias of other media sources, hopefully allowing you to determine for yourself whether a "news" story can be believed - or how much.
Note: MBFC survives, in part, on advertising money. That doesn't necessary mean you should believe any of the ads or promotions on their site.
Public Radio International (PRI) is a global non-profit media company focused on the nexus of journalism and engagement that helps affect positive change in people’s lives. Their mission is to "serve audiences as a distinctive content source for information, insights and cultural experiences essential to living in our diverse, interconnected world."
The Center for American Progress (CAP) is an independent non-partisan policy institute that is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action. Their goal is to change the country, not just the conversation. They are unabashedly progressive, believing in the boundless opportunity of America, the value in protecting our planet, promoting peace and shared global prosperity, and effective government that promotes the common good over narrow self-interest. They believe in challenging the media to cover relevant issues and that we all need to stay informed, be engaged and active in the discussion and events, and "challenge conservative misinformation with facts."
Reuters is an international news agency, reporting traditional media news as well as business and financial news. Acquired by the Thomson Corporation in 2008, it makes up the media division of Thomson-Reuters. According to Wikipedia, "Reuters journalists use the Reuters Handbook of Journalism as a guide for fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests, to maintain the values of integrity and freedom upon which their reputation for reliability, accuracy, speed and exclusivity relies."
The Hill is described as a political newspaper, which strives to present non-partisan, objective news regarding the "intersection of politics and business", as well as in-depth coverage of Congress, the Administration, business and lobbying, campaigns and more. The Hill also features six blogs dedicated to specific political and policy issues: Ballot Box, Blog Briefing Room, Congress Blog, Floor Action, In the Know, and Twitter Room.