SFGATE

About SFGATE's Bias Rating

SFGATE is a news media source with an AllSides Media Bias Rating™ of Lean Left.

What a "Lean Left" Rating Means

Sources with an AllSides Media Bias Rating of Lean Left display media bias in ways that moderately align with liberal, progressive, or left-wing thought and/or policy agendas. A Lean Left bias is a moderately liberal rating on the political spectrum.

Details

SFGATE is a digital news website covering local news and culture in the San Francisco area.

It served as the online version of The San Francisco Chronicle (Left bias) until 2019, when the Chronicle and SFGATE "officially became two separately run entities with their own editorial staffs and independent newsrooms," according to SFGATE's website.

SFGATE was one of the earliest major market newspaper websites to be launched, having done so in 1994, at the time of The Newspaper Guild strike.

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October 2023 Independent Review Confirms SFGATE's Lean Left Rating

An independent AllSides reviewer confirmed that SFGATE's content was best represented by a Lean Left bias rating. On one day, the reviewer noted that coverage appeared neutral and apolitical, including a column called "The Dumpling Report." However, on a different day, coverage displayed a focus on issues associated with the political left. 

Notable headlines included, "Republicans hope the chaos of recent weeks will become a distant memory in next year's elections," "Oakland A's owner John Fisher gave to GOP congressman who tried to overturn 2020 election," and "Oakland A's 'proud to support' LGBTQ youth while John Fisher gives to anti-LGBTQ lawmakers." While some of these issues are not necessarily politically left, the reviewer noted, they are primarily the focus of liberals. Meanwhile, coverage of newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) appeared mostly mild and neutral, albeit with one mention of Johnson's call for "prayer" after a mass shooting — a potential reference to the common liberal complaint about "thoughts and prayers" being offered instead of gun legislation.

The reviewer noted that this coverage appeared reflective of a modern, online outlet serving one of America's most culturally and politically liberal cities.

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As of December 2023, people have voted on the AllSides Media Bias Rating for SFGATE. On average, those who disagree with our rating think this source has a Lean Left bias.

As of December 2023, AllSides has low or initial confidence in our Lean left rating for SFGATE. If we perform more bias reviews and gather consistent data, this confidence level will increase.

Owner: Hearst Communications, Inc.