Since its establishment in January 2017, Liberty Nation has carved out a space for itself in the landscape of American media as a voice for conservative perspectives. Without a precise founding date, it has made its presence known with a straightforward acknowledgment of its political stance.
As an online news publication that heralds the values of ‘Free Thinking and Free Speech,’ Liberty Nation positions itself as a counterbalance to what it describes as the ‘elite, left-leaning establishment media.’ This article seeks to scrutinize the potential bias inherent within its pages, drawing upon the publication’s declarations and the content it chooses to highlight.
Liberty Nation’s About Us page candidly states its mission, providing a venue for like-minded individuals searching for political news uncolored by what they perceive as leftward-biased media. Furthermore, Liberty Nation extends its brand to younger audiences with LN GENZ, aimed at Generation Z conservatives, indicating a strategic effort to engage with and shape the viewpoints of upcoming generations.
Moreover, Liberty Nation extends its reach by allowing external contributions through an online submission portal, suggesting a community-driven approach to content. It also annually curates a list of what it believes are the Top 20 Conservative news outlets, which some might interpret as an effort to align itself within a specific media echelon.
In this examination, we will explore Liberty Nation’s editorial choices and the implications of its self-professed bias. Through analyzing its reporting, commentary, and stated objectives, we aim to bring to light the dimensions of bias within Liberty Nation and discuss the broader implications of media bias.
How Does Biasly Rate News Sources?
Biasly’s algorithms produce bias ratings to help provide multiple perspectives on given articles. Biasly has analyzed 200,000+ news articles from more than 3,200 news sources through our A.I. technology and team of political analysts to find the most factual, unbiased news stories.
Biasly determines the degree of political bias in news sources by using Biasly’s Bias Meter Rating, in which Biasly’s team analyzes media sources’ reliability and bias and produces three scores, a Reliability Score that measures the accuracy of media sources; an A.I. Bias Score, evaluated by A.I.; and an Analyst Bias Score evaluated by political analysts. These scores are rated based on seven rating metrics including Tone, Tendency, Diction, Author Check, Selection/Omission, Expediency Bias, and Accuracy. These metrics help our analysts to determine the political attitude of the article.
Our A.I. machine-learning system employs natural language processing and entity-specific sentiment analysis to examine individual articles and determine their bias levels. By analyzing the key terms in an article such as policies, bias phrases, political terminologies, politicians, and their nicknames, the algorithms can rate the attitude of the text. Bias scores range from -100% and 100%, with higher negative scores being more liberal and higher positive scores being more conservative, and 0% being neutral.
Is Liberty Nation Politically Biased?
Biasly’s rating for the Liberty Nation originates from two scores: computer analysis based on artificial intelligence and human analysis. Biasly rated Liberty Nation with a Computer bias score of Very Conservative and an Analyst bias score of Very Conservative, which means it provides political coverage from a strong American Conservative political perspective. It is also important to note that the more articles our human analysts can review, the more accurate the analyst’s rating may be. We determine analyst scores based on an average of at least 15 articles reviewed by one liberal, moderate, or conservative analyst. As Biasly rates more articles, the scores will become more accurate. Praise for liberal politicians and policies, afs well as dislike toward Republican policies and politicians, contribute to this rating. Biasly’s scores closely align with determinations by other third-party bias research agencies.
Readers like you are more likely to have stronger opinions about Liberty News because they favor Conservative causes and people. Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore how you can approach these articles with an unbiased approach and an understanding of the political leanings of the publication.
We must discuss bias to understand the best way to make these approaches. No human being does not possess the innate tendency to operate under a specific bias. Whether we realize it or not, everyone will perform fundamental forms of pattern recognition. This certainty is not to say that “all things are biased” but to explain why we may have personal inclinations to trust specific publications based upon certain display patterns of coverage.
The media institution often operates under the incentive to ensure large audience numbers, pushing subscriptions and the like. Bias is a two-way street; not only may the news provide biased information, but people often seek news regarding the specific things they care about. This positive feedback loop allows for influence about what and how a particular publication’s perspective and editorial choices.
Liberty News’ brand follows a style similar to many in this age of news media. In an information crisis and a world in which politics have never been so divisive, independent news publications have all begun to focus on one thing. More than ever, these news publications want their readers to believe they are the most authentic and reliable source they can read.
This sort of brand marketing is unsurprising. Public opinion regarding trusting the American media has drastically changed in the past couple of years. According to Pew Research, less than half of Americans trust the media that they are consuming:
Source: Pew Research
This graph reflects that most distrust in the media is primarily by those from the Conservative population. The same Pew Research study shows that Republicans and right-leaning Americans are viewing mainstream media at half of the rate their Democratic counterparts are. These statistics allow us to understand the demand for self-proclaimed independent sources such as Liberty Nation:
Source: Pew Research
Before we begin, we need to discuss bias. Bias is a natural function of humans, and we can express it both consciously and unconsciously. Bias is one of the most fundamental forms of pattern recognition in humans. This isn’t to lower the bar and say that “all things are biased,” but to explain the process in which we may come to trust certain news organizations that display patterns of coverage.
On the media’s part, there is an incentive to retain audiences, encourage them to purchase subscriptions, and rate products positively. Bias is a two-way street, people want to see news stories about things they care about, and the media needs viewers to continue their operations. This creates a positive feedback loop that influences what stories are covered and from what perspective. This also explains the actions of more liberal news organizations.
Analysis of Bias in Liberty Nation Online Articles
With the publication receiving a score of Very Conservative, it will be interesting to comb through the articles featured and better understand how Liberty Nation shows its bias. This analysis will also assist in furthering our ability to decipher bias in other sources.
Upon reviewing the Authors Page of Liberty Nation, it’s evident that the organization has a team of 13 in-house writers. Additionally, they feature a section for Guest Writers, which encompasses independent contributors whose work gets published on their platform.
“Our writers are new, young, fresh, and bold. Occasionally you’ll see a prominent name among our contributors, but our goal is to open our readership to a new generation of thought in the vanguard of the freedom movement. There are plenty of places to read the old guard – we endeavor to advance original, thoughtful and viable concepts to the marketplace of ideas.”
Notably, the average age of their in-house writers is 48 years old. An overview of their site and published content shows a steady involvement of the 13 staff writers. Of the approximately 35 articles posted weekly, around 17% come from guest writers. Frequently, individual authors don’t produce these articles. Alternatively, they get published under a collective name.
To fully comprehend the bias present in Liberty Nation’s articles, it’s crucial to examine the works of their staff writers and guest contributors. These guest articles can reveal both the individual biases of the authors and offer insight into Liberty Nation’s selection process, reflecting its own biases.
As we delve into article analysis, it’s essential to recognize the role of tonality in determining an article’s bias. The choice of words, the emotional response they provoke, and the mental imagery they create can significantly shape how the political scenarios are understood. These elements can be telling of the author’s intended perspective.
We will start with an article written by James Fite in 2021, titled The Curious Case of Caitlyn Jenner. The article delves into the issue of transgender individuals participating in gendered sports. It investigates Caitlyn’s viewpoint as a transgender woman, underscoring that her perspective notably differs from those typically held by left-leaning individuals. This piece is rated as Very Conservative by Biasly.
This headline, a classic example of what’s often referred to as “expediency bias,” significantly impacts how we perceive information. Expediency bias in media is when information is presented to serve a particular agenda or purpose, often to provoke a quick response from the audience rather than offering a thorough and balanced perspective.
Here’s how this bias might be playing out in the image:
- Selection of Content: The headline focuses on a controversial aspect of Caitlyn Jenner’s political stance. By highlighting Jenner’s transgender identity alongside her Republican affiliation and her position on trans girls in sports, the headline seems to exploit a contentious issue for immediate impact.
- Phrasing: “The left just can’t cope” suggests an oversimplification of the response from people who might disagree with Jenner’s stance. It frames the issue as an emotional inability to handle the situation rather than a difference in opinion or a complex sociopolitical debate.
- Provocation: The headline seems designed to provoke a reaction. It uses the controversy surrounding Jenner to grab attention, potentially at the expense of a more nuanced discussion of the issues involved in the inclusion of trans individuals in sports.
- Lack of Context: The headline and subtitle provide little context for Jenner’s views or the broader discussion. This lack of context can lead readers to snap judgments based on their biases or emotional responses.
In terms of media literacy, it’s crucial to recognize how headlines and articles can be framed to quickly influence the reader’s perception. A more balanced approach that provides context avoids emotionally charged language, and presents multiple viewpoints on the issue is essential for fostering a deeper understanding of complex topics.
Fits uses the article as a way to negate significant talking points of the left and transgender folks based on Caitlyn Jenner’s controversial tweets and TMZ comments. See the referenced tweet from the article below:
I didn’t expect to get asked this on my Saturday morning coffee run, but I’m clear about where I stand. It’s an issue of fairness and we need to protect girls’ sports in our schools.https://t.co/YODLDQ3csP
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) May 1, 2021
Fite’s language throughout the article uses tone primarily to portray his bias. When discussing the left, he uses statements such as:
- “…exploded with rage.”
- “…just cannot cope.”
- “The left likes to rant and rave… The left likes to ignore facts.”
Alternatively, when discussing Caitlyn or those on the right in general, Fite seems to use much lighter language:
- “She’s a Republican who doesn’t freak out…”
- “Jenner remains calm and collected amid the storm of hatred…”
- “Controversial, but calm and collected all the while.”
Fite’s use of tone is attempting to paint a particular picture. The topic of transgender people is a talking point for those on the conservative right. Unsurprisingly, in his analysis of the topic, he paints one side as rageful and unreasonable while painting his side as the reasonable, cool, calm, and collected bunch. Like anything else, this may be the case situationally, but generalizations often aren’t accurate and biased inherently.
Analysis of Liberty Nation Opinion Articles
Next, we can look at an article written by Liberty Nation’s Mark Angelides, the current Managing Editor of the publication. According to The Daily Caller, Angelides hails from the U.K., finds his specialty in E.U. politics, and writes with a conservative and libertarian perspective on most topics.
The article by Angelides that we will explore is titled Biden Admin Flips: Time to Build the Wall. Biasly’s computer-generated rating system rates this article as Moderately Conservative. Let’s explore why this may be.
The article underscores the recent shifts in sentiment regarding immigration at the Southern Border. The Biden Administration, which had previously repealed and undone much of former President Donald Trump’s border policies, seems to have changed its stance and green-lighted the continuation of the project.
This unfolding situation is causing frustration across the political spectrum. Liberals are upset with the Biden Administration, feeling that the policy changes they voted for got disregarded entirely. Meanwhile, conservatives are also annoyed, viewing the initial border construction pause as a political maneuver.
To deduce bias within this article—a topic equally contentious for both sides—we need to focus on tone and omission. Angelides’ tone in this piece suggests broader implications. A notable quote from the article reads:
“It is an admission that Trump was right all along, and this close to an election, is it any wonder the story must wither and die on the vine?”
In this quote, Angelides has brought this argument much further than the frustrations of border security. Angelides uses a specific tone here to imply that Biden’s failure here, and by proxy Trump’s success, is enough to determine that one is more suited for the presidency than the other. Angelides implies that media coverage allows the story to be ignored purposefully for Biden’s benefit.
This tone brings the article from a more center-leaning position to a more moderately conservative one.
Ultimately, there are clear signs that this article leans moderately conservative. The tone is crucial in both articles examined, as biased writers often portray their opposing side in telling ways.
The bias found in articles on Liberty Nation News aligns with its overall rating of Very Conservative. Most of the articles reviewed by Biasly don’t exhibit any bias, leaning more left than center.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that the site’s purpose is to deliver conservative news. The website’s description suggests readers should expect a conservative or right-wing bias in its content, reinforcing the importance of understanding the source and context of your news.
Who Owns Liberty Nation?
As stated in the introduction, the ownership of Liberty Nation and information on their founding team are not very extensive. Most information regarding any of them is only available through their Liberty Nation Author Bios or barren and unused LinkedIn profiles.
A look into the Liberty Nation shows that they are funded and owned by a nonprofit organization by the name of One Generation Away.
According to One Generation Away’s title page, they are:
“…user-friendly destination for clear and concise answers to complex issues, framed in freedom and truth, and explained in ways most Americans speak. OneGen will provide straight answers that will ultimately contribute to a nation of better informed citizens who are armed with knowledge that is usable and actionable.”
The nonprofit organization is owned and operated by Timothy Donner. His wife, Leesa K. Donne, holds the position of Editor in Chief.
The board of directors includes some notable names such as Edwin E Meese, the 75th Attorney General and senior advisor to Ronald Reagen. Cal Thomas also sits on the board as a renowned columnist and radio personality.
How to Evaluate and Uncover Bias
It can often be difficult to tell if the news you watch is biased. If you have settled on a news channel, it’s usually because you trust the information you are gaining. Unfortunately, many trust the information they are hearing because it confirms what they already believe. This is referred to as “confirmation bias.” It is important to challenge your beliefs and get third-party verification that what you are hearing is the full story. This is why we recommend using Biasly to compare different news stories side-by-side using our bias ratings to figure out what both sides think of a political issue.
To conclude this analysis, it is clear that Liberty News not only holds a Very Conservative bias but also focuses its readership specifically on American Conservatives. Liberty Nation has essentially no desire to cater to any Liberal causes or agendas. The publication is made by conservatives, for conservatives. One must approach Liberty Nation with this knowledge of their bias to productively consume their articles and news. And while every article you read will be biased to some degree, some stick to the facts better than others, which is why it’s so essential to use Biasly’s News Check to help you determine the bias of what you read.