Publisher Services
Receive Ad Fontes Certification for Quality Journalism
To qualify, you’ll need a score of 40 or higher (out of 64) on the reliability axis of our chart (for scores between 36 and 40, see our Reliable Analysis Certification).
The Ad Fontes Certification™ includes:
- Licensed use of the Ad Fontes Certified™ badge for 12 months on publisher’s website, print publications, and marketing materials.
- Large-sample content ratings audit with internal reporting for your organization
- Four appearances on our monthly static charts within the 12 months after certification.
All stakeholders in Ad Fontes Media have a right to expect that we maintain the highest standards of fairness and objectivity in rating publishers, especially since we provide these certifications and audits as a paid service to publishers. To understand how we maintain these standards and mitigate potential conflicts of interest, please see our Stakeholders Statement.
We also offer individual content audits without a certification badge. Click here for more information.
Receive Ad Fontes Certification for Quality Journalism
The Ad Fontes Certification™ includes:
- Licensed use of the Ad Fontes Certified™ badge for 12 months on publisher’s website, print publications, and marketing materials.
- Large-sample content ratings audit with internal reporting for your organization
- Four appearances on our monthly static charts within the 12 months after certification.
All stakeholders in Ad Fontes Media have a right to expect that we maintain the highest standards of fairness and objectivity in rating publishers, especially since we provide these certifications and audits as a paid service to publishers. To understand how we maintain these standards and mitigate potential conflicts of interest, please see our Stakeholders Statement.
We also offer individual content audits without a certification badge. Click here for more information.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Most news sources that initially appear on the Media Bias Chart are placed based on our standard rating, which requires a minimum representative sample of web articles or program episodes. For sources already on the chart, we will rate a larger sample, based on your size, to ensure the most accurate placement of your overall score.
A. You cannot use the badge, but you’ll be given a detailed report on why the score dropped.
- (More content might be rated as part of our standard operations)
- You will no longer be able to use the badge, but you’ll be given a detailed report on why the score dropped.
A. Static charts mostly display popular sources which are occasionally rotated in and out to keep areas of the chart varied over time. Some areas have more sources than others and therefore see more turnover while other areas may show the same source continually simply because no other source is in that area. New sources are included each month to keep the chart fresh.
A. We will make every effort to grant such requests.
A. No, that is a separate product. Find out more here.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Great way to evaluate the information that you are reading. Provides a basis for understanding the perspective of the source.
I found the chart extremely useful for my 12th grade Economics And Civics classes. It was a great tool to help them understand the concept of media bias and where the different media sources fell on the chart.
I use the media bias chart for my senior civics class during our media bias unit. I have used your undated charts for the past four years and love to show students both the X and Y axis to the media bias world.
The chart is a wonderful visual to show students how new sources compare on bias and reliability. I use it in classes to help students understand how to use our resources and encourage critical thinking.
I find the charts and the Ad Fontes search capability invaluable in deciding where to find reliable information. In this age of bipartisanship and tailored news, Ad Fontes serves a vital function.
I use the Media Bias Chart all the time in one of the first units of my course "How to Read the News." Students are responsible for following one particular policy issue throughout the year and the Media Bias Chart helps students to ensure they are reading about their issue from multiple perspectives. Invaluable tool!
I use the Media Bias Chart at the start of research projects. It's especially good to be able to look at factual accuracy and political bias. Beyond discussion, it gives students an excellent reference tool beyond work for our class.
I use the media bias chart for my senior civics class during our media bias unit. I have used your undated charts for the past four years and love to show students both the X and Y axis to the media bias world.
My students reference this regularly when doing research to check bias to create a balanced approach to research. They bookmark the website and we have a wall poster.
The chart is a wonderful visual to show students how new sources compare on bias and reliability. I use it in classes to help students understand how to use our resources and encourage critical thinking.
I have a mouse pad in my office where if someone brings up a questionable claim in the office I was always ask what was the news source. Regardless of their answer, I always refer to my mouse pad telling them to be mindful of source reliability and how much interpretive analysis the author of the article has put into their piece.
The Media Bias chart is a fantastic tool for my students. As they explore close reading of bias in media and examine their own info diets, having a clear visual source is very helpful. I am excited that there are now versions out for specific media as well!
I used the chart with a small group of friends. One is a Fox-MAGA believer. She questioned your methodology and especially disagreed with your placement of PBS on the continuum. It was hard to continue the discussion after that. Sigh.
In an increasingly polarized world, and with my diverse clientele, the media bias chart has been a clear headed and sober graphic I can share. With the chart, better discussions, based on facts and not bias, are my new normal!
I bring up the media bias chart from time to time on my podcast during discussions about how the media is organized and where it fits in in the battle between those pushing for right wing authoritarianism and those advocating progressive multiracial democracy in this country.
I use it with various groups I volunteer with to show how people are being misled by nonfactual "news" outlets, and to show where COMMENTARY in each outlet leans, no matter how center and truthful it tries to self-identify. I also use it to keep myself in check. Opinion or fact, or a blend?
In these political times it is invaluable to have a clear, pragmatic, and trustworthy view on the news. I consider your organization the de facto source of opinion of accurate news sources.
Yes, I use the chart frequently when discussing perspective with people (both in person and on social media) who reference heavily biased outlets. So grateful to have it to reference and share!
Media bias isn't always easy to determine. It's good to compare my own take with someone who's spent more time determining it. It helps me see through their "veil" more quickly.
