Which USA news channels align with Democrats or Republicans? Uncover the biases of Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, and more in this guide to media leanings.
Table Of Contents
Why Does Media Bias Matter?
Ever wondered why the same news story feels so different depending on the channel?
In the US, news outlets often lean toward specific political parties, shaping how millions see the world.
From Fox News to CNN, each channel has a unique audience and slant.
This blog post answers the question: Which news channels support which political parties in the US?
We will unpack major networks’ biases, trust levels, and audience preferences, clearly mapping the polarised media landscape.
This guide, written by THOUSIF Inc. – USA, has fresh insights to help you navigate the news.
The Big Picture: US News Channels And Political Leanings
To answer this, we will examine major US news channels, such as Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS, as well as newer players like Newsmax and One America News Network (OAN).
Our analysis draws on bias ratings from Media Bias/Fact Check and AllSides and trust data from YouGov’s 2025 survey.
These sources evaluate content, word choice, and audience demographics.
Here is a snapshot:
- Fox News, Newsmax, OAN: Lean toward the Republican Party.
- CNN, MSNBC: Favour the Democratic Party.
- ABC, CBS, NBC: Slightly Democratic-leaning but closer to the centre.
- PBS: Nearly neutral, with a slight Democratic tilt.
Deep Dive: Which Channels Support Which Parties?
Fox News: The Republican Stronghold
- Bias Rating: Right-biased (Media Bias/Fact Check), Right (AllSides)
- Trust Levels: High among Republicans, low among Democrats
- Net Trust Score (2025): 0 (YouGov)
- Audience: 93% Republicans, 6% Democrats (2020 Pew Research, likely similar in 2025)
Fox News is the go-to for conservative viewers. Launched in 1996, it’s known for hosts like Sean Hannity, who champion Republican priorities like tax cuts and immigration reform.
In 2025, YouGov shows 47% of Republicans trust it, versus 23% of Democrats. Its 2024 election coverage, often questioning voting processes, cemented its conservative stance, though some criticise factual lapses.
Party Alignment: Fox News strongly supports the Republican Party.
CNN: A Democratic Favourite
- Bias Rating: Left-centre biased (Media Bias/Fact Check), Lean Left (AllSides)
- Trust Levels: High among Democrats, low among Republicans
- Net Trust Score (2025): +8 (YouGov)
- Audience: 53% Democrats, 24% Republicans (2020 Pew Research)
CNN, a cable news pioneer, is a staple for Democratic viewers. It highlights progressive issues like climate change and racial equity.
In 2025, YouGov reports that 63% of Democrats trust CNN versus 17% of Republicans.
Critics note selective story choices, but CNN maintains mostly factual reporting.
Its 2025 coverage reinforces its left-leaning reputation.
Party Alignment: CNN supports the Democratic Party.
MSNBC: The Progressive Voice
- Bias Rating: Left-biased (Media Bias/Fact Check), Left (AllSides)
- Trust Levels: High among Democrats, very low among Republicans
- Net Trust Score (2025): +6 (YouGov)
- Audience: 95% Democrats, 5% Republicans (2020 Statista)
MSNBC is unapologetically liberal, with hosts like Rachel Maddow advocating for voting rights and healthcare reform.
Its audience is almost entirely Democratic, with YouGov showing 54% of Democrats trusting it in 2025 versus 15% of Republicans.
Its outspoken style draws criticism for occasional factual slips but resonates with progressives.
Party Alignment: MSNBC strongly supports the Democratic Party.
ABC News: Slightly Democratic, Broad Appeal
- Bias Rating: Left-centre biased (Media Bias/Fact Check), Lean Left (AllSides)
- Trust Levels: Moderate to high among Democrats, moderate among Republicans
- Net Trust Score (2025): +16 (YouGov, assumed similar to NBC)
- Audience: 37% Democrats, 30% Republicans (2020 Pew Research)
ABC News, part of the “Big Three” networks, strives for balance but leans slightly left. Its coverage emphasises social issues, aligning more with Democratic priorities.
In 2025, ABC enjoys moderate trust across parties, with Democrats slightly more favourable.
Its mainstream approach makes it less polarising.
Party Alignment: ABC News leans slightly toward the Democratic Party.
CBS News: Centrist With A Democratic Tilt
- Bias Rating: Left-centre biased (assumed), Lean Left (AllSides)
- Trust Levels: Moderate to high among Democrats, moderate among Republicans
- Net Trust Score (2025): +16 (YouGov, assumed similar to NBC)
- Audience: 33% Democrats, 26% Republicans (2020 Pew Research)
CBS News mirrors ABC, offering mainstream reporting with a slight Democratic lean.
Its focus on public health and education resonates with liberals, but its traditional format keeps it accessible.
In 2025, CBS maintains moderate trust, with Democrats showing higher confidence.
Party Alignment: CBS News leans slightly toward the Democratic Party.
NBC News: Mainstream With A Liberal Edge
- Bias Rating: Left-centre biased (assumed), Lean Left (AllSides)
- Trust Levels: Moderate to high among Democrats, moderate among Republicans
- Net Trust Score (2025): +16 (YouGov)
- Audience: 40% Democrats, 28% Republicans (2020 Pew Research)
NBC News, another “Big Three” network, is slightly left-leaning due to its coverage of social issues.
In 2025, it enjoys moderate trust, with 63% of Democrats and 23% of Republicans viewing it favourably.
NBC’s investigative reporting appeals to Democrats, but its broad reach keeps it less divisive.
Party Alignment: NBC News leans slightly toward the Democratic Party.
PBS: The Neutral Standard
- Bias Rating: Slightly left-centre (Media Bias/Fact Check), Centre (AllSides)
- Trust Levels: High among Democrats, moderate among Republicans
- Net Trust Score (2025): +25 (YouGov)
- Audience: 64% Democrats, 22% Republicans (2020 YouGov)
PBS, with “PBS NewsHour,” is a beacon of balanced reporting. Its public funding encourages neutrality, though some note a slight left tilt in its focus on education.
In 2025, PBS boasts a trust score of +25, with strong Democratic support and moderate Republican confidence.
Party Alignment: PBS is nearly neutral, with a slight Democratic lean.
Newsmax And OAN: Rising Republican Voices
- Bias Rating: Right-biased (Media Bias/Fact Check), Right (AllSides)
- Trust Levels: Very low among Democrats, moderate to high among Republicans
- Net Trust Score (2025): Not listed (assumed low)
- Audience: Primarily Republicans (2020 YouGov)
Newsmax and OAN are newer conservative outlets that appeal to viewers seeking alternatives to Fox News.
They emphasise Republican talking points like deregulation. In 2025, they enjoy moderate Republican trust but are distrusted by Democrats.
Their lower reliability stems from occasional misinformation.
Party Alignment: Newsmax and OAN strongly support the Republican Party.
Comparing The Channels: A Clear Divide
This table summarises the political alignments and trust levels, answering which news channels support which political parties:
| News Channel | Bias Rating | Party Alignment | Trust (Democrats) | Trust (Republicans) | Net Trust Score (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox News | Right | Republican | Low | High | 0 |
| CNN | Left-center | Democratic | High | Low | +8 |
| MSNBC | Left | Democratic | High | Very low | +6 |
| ABC News | Left-center | Slightly Democratic | Moderate to high | Moderate | +16 (assumed) |
| CBS News | Left-center | Slightly Democratic | Moderate to high | Moderate | +16 (assumed) |
| NBC News | Left-center | Slightly Democratic | Moderate to high | Moderate | +16 |
| PBS | Slightly left-center | Slightly Democratic, Neutral | High | Moderate | +25 |
| Newsmax | Right | Republican | Very low | Moderate to high | Not listed |
| OAN | Right | Republican | Very low | Moderate to high | Not listed |
This shows a partisan split: Republicans trust Fox News, Newsmax, and OAN; Democrats favour CNN, MSNBC, PBS, and the “Big Three.” PBS stands out for broad trust.
Social Media’s Role In News
Social media platforms are reshaping news consumption, but trust is low.
Here’s how they stack up in 2025 (YouGov):
| Platform | Net Trust Score (2025) | Party Leanings |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | +12 | Broad, slightly Democratic |
| +4 | Neutral, professional audience | |
| Substack | 0 | Mixed, depends on the authors |
| Bluesky | -2 | Slightly Democratic |
| -6 | Mixed, leans liberal | |
| -7 | Broad, younger audience | |
| -8 | Neutral, less news-focused | |
| Threads | -9 | Slightly Democratic |
| X | -14 | Mixed, leans conservative |
| Truth Social | -15 | Strongly Republican |
| Snapchat | -21 | Younger, less political |
| -22 | Broad, distrusted by both | |
| TikTok | -26 | Younger, slightly liberal |
YouTube leads in trust, while TikTok and Facebook lag.
Democrats trust YouTube and Bluesky more; Republicans lean toward Truth Social and X.
Why This Divide Exists
News channels align with parties due to audience demand.
Viewers prefer outlets that echo their beliefs, creating a cycle where channels cater to specific ideologies.
The 24/7 news cycle and competition for revenue amplify this.
Fox News thrives on conservative outrage, MSNBC on progressive passion, each reinforcing its base’s worldview.
This polarisation creates echo chambers, limiting exposure to opposing views.
During the 2024 election, channels framed candidates differently, such as Fox News on economic strength and CNN on social equity, shaping voter perceptions.
Misinformation from lower-reliability outlets further erodes trust.
How To Navigate The News In 2025
To find truth in this polarised landscape, try these tips:
- Mix Sources: Watch Fox News, CNN, and PBS to compare framing.
- Check Bias Ratings: Use Media Bias/Fact Check and AllSides.
- Go to the Source: Read original documents or data.
- Think Critically: Ask what a story emphasises or omits.
Conclusion: Stay Curious, Stay Informed
Which news channels support which political parties in the US?
Fox News, Newsmax, and OAN back Republicans; CNN and MSNBC champion Democrats.
ABC, CBS, and NBC lean slightly Democratic but appeal broadly; PBS offers a near-neutral perspective.
Social media mirrors these divides, with YouTube trusted most and TikTok the least.
At THOUSIF Inc. – USA, we believe media literacy cuts through the noise.
Understand biases, seek diverse sources, and build your views.
Explore more on our blog for insights on media and politics. Keep questioning!
Trivia
The Weather Channel is America’s most trusted news source, with a net trust score of +49 in 2025, uniting Americans when politics can’t!
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