Belfast Telegraph
Bias and Reliability

Coverage and Relevance

The Belfast Telegraph  primarily covers political issues mostly in Ireland, with some international coverage. The Belfast Telegraph also covers many political issues in the United Kingdom due to Northern Ireland being a part of the UK. As it’s such a popular source of information in Belfast, it is important to examine bias and news media bias.

Readers who want to know more about how Belfast Telegraph compares to other publications should use Biasly’s Media Bias Chart to analyze the language and tone in real time.

Biasly’s Bias Meter ranges from -100% (most left) to +100% (most right), with 0% indicating neutrality. The system evaluates individual articles based on political terms, policies, figures, and sentiment to calculate precise bias ratings.

Is Belfast Telegraph Politically Biased?

Belfast Telegraph earns a Center rating for its AI Bias Score and a Center for its Analyst Bias Score. The Analyst Bias Score is generated by reviewers from liberal, moderate, and conservative backgrounds. Analysts reviewed and evaluated fifteen Belfast Telegraph articles and noted preferences in areas like foreign policy, elections, and topics such as clean energy, immigration, and border control. The paper maintained objectivity on topics like criminal justice and abortion.

For example, coverage on the ‘Brit Cards’ reflects strong criticism, but does not present counterarguments or explain why the immigration proposal is so divisive.

A Belfast Telegraph writer noted in a Report:

“Dubbed ‘Brit Cards’, the practicalities of the scheme will be subject to a consultation, which will also look at how to make it work for those without a smartphone or passport.

The scheme will allow the verification of a citizen’s right to live and work in the UK.”

Belfast Telegraph using the word “scheme” suggests bias through diction. Using a different world choice would keep the article centered and maintain objectivity on the issue. The word “scheme”, when referring to an immigration policy, implies a conservative bias. Adding additional perspectives and using unloaded language would help balance the article.

Analysis of Bias in Belfast Telegraph Online Articles

To evaluate this, we can analyze select Belfast Telegraph articles through several of Biasly’s bias rating criteria: Tone, Tendency, Author, Diction, and Expediency Bias.

• Tone: The overall attitude conveyed by the article
• Diction: Specific word choices made by the writer
• Author: The background and social presence of the journalist
• Tendency: Patterns of bias in the writer’s broader body of work
• Expediency Bias: Quick visual or textual indicators like headlines and photos that imply bias

Source: Belfast Telegraph

One article titled, “Sinn Féin accused of ‘trolling’ north west over transport funding” remains objective in reporting. The article lays out how Sinn Féin is giving extra transportation funding to Belfast, while ignoring communities that were promised transportation improvements as far back as 2018. Reporter Garrett Hargan gives both sides of the argument. Hargan states the grievances for areas such as Derry, Castlerock, and Bellarena, but also explains Sinn Féin’s reasoning for giving extra transportation funding to Belfast. The reporter also includes Sinn Féin and many other transport officials’ responses to the claims of preference for Belfast.

Additionally, the picture of a train in the beginning is used to show one of the communities that has not received transportation improvements. This can possibly promote sympathy from the readers because it shows a community that has been ignored by its government. This can subtly suggest a bias against Sinn Féin because it highlights where the party has failed to deliver.

The article remains centered by using a neutral tone and unbiased language. By giving both perspectives, the reporter stays even-handed and balanced. The article lays out both sides without adding personal opinions. This framing aligns with Biasly’s rating of Belfast Telegraph and distances itself from any ideological slants or opinions.

Another Belfast Telegraph article focuses on the new form of digital IDs, which are being called ‘Brit Cards.’ A new immigration policy has caused much debate in Northern Ireland. The reporter takes on a harsh and critical tone against Prime Minister Keir Starmer and has a tendency to repeatedly editorialize.

“In a scene from political drama The Thick of It, someone — and that person should be named and shamed — has decided it should be called the ‘Brit Card’.”

“It was spoken like a man who has never known a single person working off the books for cash in hand.”

The reporter uses specific word choices and emotionally charged words such as “crackpot plan”, “dystopian”, and “authoritarian and undemocratic” that create a negative tone in the article. This strong presence of opinion highlights bias in the article. The author also doesn’t explain why Prime Minister Starmer thinks the ‘Brit Cards’ are a good policy implementation. The presence of bias and the absence of other perspectives suggest that the reporter has a slight lean, though the reporter has maintained neutrality in the criminal justice reporting.

To summarize, Belfast Telegraph shows inconsistent bias throughout its reporting. Articles such as this one remain balanced through multiple perspectives and impartial language. On the other hand, articles like the ‘Brit Cards’ piece reveal a conservative slant through framing, harsh tone, and criticisms that align with right-leaning values. Despite attempts to remain balanced in reporting, Belfast Telegraph articles can be framed and highlight policies that lean towards one end or the other of the political spectrum.

Analysis of Belfast Telegraph Opinion Articles

To fully scope political bias in media, we must differentiate between factual reporting and opinion pieces. This section demonstrates how bias surfaces through Belfast Telegraph’s selection of content and tone.

One example is an opinion piece titled “Peter Vandermeersch: My fears for journalism’s future – and how you can help save it.” The title employs a worried tone and a progressive allegation. In the article, Vandermeersch calls out the censorship and criticism of the media by President Trump and Disney. He highlights dissatisfaction with the way journalism is heading and offers solutions to the problem, like recognizing journalism as a democratic cornerstone.

In contrast, “Will the iPhone become more expensive in Northern Ireland as a result of Trump tariffs?” offers a more centrist view. The article gives no opinion. It outlines the effects of Trump’s tariffs on consumers, production, and imports, and the uncertainty of how this will affect the Northern Ireland market. This is an example of neutrality in news media.

These examples call attention to how Belfast Telegraph opinion pieces can have liberal and centrist narratives. This can contribute to the overall consistency of bias because editorials can have predominantly liberal, conservative, or centrist views.

Who Owns Belfast Telegraph?

Belfast Telegraph operates under Mediahuis Ireland, a subsidiary of Mediahuis N.V., a private European media group headquartered in Belgium. Peter Vandermeersch is the CEO of Mediahuis Ireland and chairs the board of directors and the executive committee. Including Vandermeersch, the board of directors consists of four people, and the executive committee consists of three.

Peter Vandermeersch brings a thirty-year journalism career, with a focus on international affairs, into the newsroom. Peter Vandermeersch aims to increase growth on all digital platforms. Under his leadership, Mediahuis Ireland surpassed 100,000 subscribers. He now has a goal to surpass 200,000 in the next 5 years and further increase growth and innovation.

Additionally, Belfast Telegraph states on their website:

“Our journalism is fully independent of any commercial or political interests, including our owners, Mediahuis, and its business interests. We do not accept gifts or inducements that could compromise our reporting. We never pay for stories.”

This strengthens the paper’s public commitment to trust and transparency in journalism. While there may still be some bias from staff pieces and editorial opinions, they are not influenced by private or external funding. This approach may add reassurance to readers seeking independence and integrity in their news outlet.

Who Funds Belfast Telegraph?

Belfast Telegraph funds its operations primarily through a mix of advertising revenue, digital subscriptions, print sales, and sponsored commercial partnerships. As part of Mediahuis Ireland, the publication also benefits from the broader financial stability of a large European media group, which allows investment in digital expansion, investigative projects, and newsroom resources. The shift toward subscription-based income has grown in recent years, reflecting an industry-wide move to reduce reliance on fluctuating advertising markets.

Although the paper publicly asserts full editorial independence from Mediahuis and commercial interests, some readers may still question whether financial pressures, advertiser relationships, or subscription-driven incentives influence story selection or framing. Publications that depend on advertising can face indirect pressure to prioritize high-traffic or broadly appealing content, and subscription-focused outlets may emphasize topics that align with reader expectations. While Belfast Telegraph’s stated policies aim to prevent such influence, these factors remain important for readers to consider when evaluating potential sources of bias.

How to Evaluate Bias

Although Biasly rates Belfast Telegraph as Center, it’s important to remember that bias can vary from article to article. Belfast Telegraph covers conservative-leaning policies and politically divisive topics. This complexity highlights the need to look at every article individually.  So, let’s learn how to evaluate media bias.

Recognizing media bias requires awareness and critical thinking. Often, readers trust news sources that affirm their existing beliefs—a psychological tendency known as confirmation bias. This makes it harder to identify slanted narratives or one-sided reporting.

To combat this, it’s essential to challenge your assumptions by consulting multiple viewpoints and verifying news through third-party analysis. Tools like Biasly’s media bias ratings allow readers to compare the same news story across the political spectrum.

Ultimately, bias isn’t always a matter of what is said; it’s also about what is left out, how topics are framed, and which stories are chosen for coverage. Learning to recognize these patterns can help readers make more informed decisions and develop greater media literacy.

To start comparing news outlets and gain a better understanding of bias, sign up for Biasly’s Media Bias & News Analytics Platform to see how stories vary between sources.

So How Does Belfast Telegraph Fare in Its Reliability?

The political reliability index developed by Biasly assesses both accuracy and trustworthiness. Belfast Telegraph currently holds Average Reliability Score, which is calculated as a weighted average of:

• Fact Analysis Score – Evaluates the accuracy of claims, facts, and evidence.
• Source Analysis Score – Assesses the number, diversity, and credibility of sources and quotes used.

Belfast Telegraph’s Source Analysis Score is Average at 32% Reliable. This suggests moderate trustworthiness in its sourcing practices. The score is AI-generated and considers quote length, frequency, diversity, and quality.

The Fact Analysis Score is yet to be finalized. This score will further determine how well Belfast Telegraph supports its claims, addresses selection and omission bias, and presents verifiable evidence. Until this is available, readers are encouraged to perform their own evaluations using Biasly’s media bias tools.

While Belfast Telegraph leans toward factual reporting, occasional lapses, such as unbalanced viewpoints or little data, can affect its reliability rating. These nuances emphasize the importance of analyzing individual articles and fact-checking information.

Belfast Telegraph’s Accuracy and Reliability

According to Biasly’s analysis, Belfast Telegraph maintains Average Reliability Score, but individual articles may vary significantly. Let’s dive into the details.

Political orientation plays a crucial role in how audiences perceive reliability. Belfast Telegraph has been accused of favoring a right policy narrative, potentially at the expense of even reporting. To confirm, it’s important to analyze the evidence and viewpoints provided by Belfast Telegraph.

Two common types of bias that affect factuality include:

• Selection Bias – Highlighting or omitting stories to fit a particular narrative.
• Omission Bias – Leaving out differing perspectives or relevant details to skew perception.

Biasly’s accuracy ratings use a scale from 1% (least accurate) to 100% (most accurate). Factors include the presence of supporting evidence, internal and external reliable sources, and balanced viewpoints.

For example, Biasly gave The Witness a center rating and an average reliability score. One TheWitness article, titled “Demands grow for Mandela’s release after Israel halts flotilla”, showed an average reliability rating for failing to provide opposing and unique sources. Reporter Akheel Sewsunker failed to provide why Israel seized the vessels or any quotes from the country, but did remain objective in tone and language.

We will take a closer look at more examples like this below to provide a further investigation into the reliability of Belfast Telegraph’s articles. This will include its use of selection bias, omission bias, and the quality of its sources and the facts it uses.

Analysis of Reliability in Belfast Telegraph’s Online News Articles

Belfast Telegraph aims to give residents in Belfast objective, transparent news and information. Belfast Telegraph employs a staff with unique perspectives and different backgrounds who can balance the conversation. Readers, however, should differentiate between opinion-based and news reporting to evaluate source credibility.

One significant example is an article titled “Sinn Féin representative accuses Belfast council of ‘blocking’ LGBTQ+ city centre animation Reporter Michael Kenwood explored Councillor Matt Garrett’s accusation that the Belfast council was blocking LGBTQ+ street and road animations. The article refrains from giving any opinion by using quotes, fact-based language, and giving both sides of the story: the Belfast council and Councillor Matt Garrett’s. This is an example of Belfast Telegraph sticking to its Center rating, and remaining centered in political reporting.

Quality of Sources and Facts Used

Belfast Telegraph often uses an array of sources from across the political spectrum. However, some articles are skewed in how they present information and certain language.

Consider the headline: “‘Old Parties’ are rattled by our strength… Alliance respond after SDLP leader’s criticism” The article relies on primary sources and quotes from party leaders to give readers information about both parties. Some leaders include:

• SDLP Leader Claire Hanna
• Alliance Party

The article gains credibility through its 14 extensive quotes, direct opinions of party leaders, and an exclusive interview with SDLP party leader Claire Hanna. The quotations help give the full perspective of the party leaders, making the article more authentic and trustworthy for readers.

While the article is well documented and includes quotes from leaders of both parties, it fails to highlight what policies the SDLP are criticizing the Alliance on. The article generalizes this issue by stating that the Alliance has faced criticism on “its policies on immigration and policing, and its position on the trans and victims’ issues.” This absence creates the perception that the SDLP can criticize anything. Without the specifics on the policies, anything can be left up to imagination.

So, can readers find the policies being referenced? Suzanne Breene, Belfast Telegraph reporter, mentioned more of the criticisms against the Alliance.

“The SDLP leader claimed that Naomi Long’s party was “incredibly good at articulating the problems we face” but less adept at fixing them.

“Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir brought forward an okay plan on the chronic issue of Lough Neagh,” she said.

“He couldn’t get it through the Executive. The SDLP developed a robust, centre-left set of proposals. We captured arresting images of Lough Neagh, which we put before hundreds of thousands of eyes. With all its Assembly seats, Alliance couldn’t deliver the change that a campaigning, energetic, and focused SDLP could.”

There is still no mention of what policies and promises the Alliance failed on. The articles give a perception that the SDLP is just being critical, when that can possibly not be the case. This lack of information gives readers the impression that something is missing. What are the policies, where has the Alliance been lacking, and how does this affect the people of Belfast?

Selection and Omission Bias

Belfast Telegraph gives extensive coverage of Northern Ireland’s political party leaders. While this is reasonable given that Belfast Telegraph is a popular source for information, bias can emerge through framing and story selection.

Take the headline “Alliance’s critics may have a point… what the party does next will be worth watching,” for example. Selection bias surfaces through the reporter agreeing with the criticisms against the Alliance from the SDLP. The article does not specify what the Alliance has failed to deliver. It is still, however, rooted in verifiable quotes.

The article does not highlight any of the responses to the criticisms by the Alliance or any proposals to fix the issue. Therefore, the article leans left in its framing. The report addresses the SDLP’s concerns and arguments, without addressing broader and contrasting perspectives. Nevertheless, the article remains grounded in verifiable quotes and facts.

In comparison, this article about Sinn Féin’s proposed budget shows a stronger balance. Reporter Cillian Sherlock, PA, includes quotes and information from both the Sinn Féin party and the opposition. The article remains objective and uses direct quotes to directly inform readers. Overall, Sherlock uses a well-balanced approach to deliver unbiased news to readers of Belfast Telegraph.

When it comes to opinion pieces, it is important for readers to know that issues with factuality, sources, selection, and omission can come up frequently. The articles covered so far reflect Belfast Telegraph’s Center views. This, however, is not detrimental to  Belfast Telegraph’s reliability. Its evidence may favor issues more towards the left, making it safe to assume it neglects issues in Northern Ireland that concern the right. Nonetheless, Belfast Telegraph maintains accuracy and tends to cite evidence directly from political leaders.

So, Is Belfast Telegraph Reliable?

Overall, Belfast Telegraph can be considered to be an outlet that is moderately reliable. The site often prioritizes opinion-based content, with variable sourcing and occasionally editorial framing around regional topics. While claims are typically supported with evidence, consistency and balance can be improved to meet stronger transparency standards.

As media literacy improves, readers can more easily detect issues with selection bias, omission bias, and factuality. To strengthen your ability to assess reliability across the political spectrum, use the News Bias Checker to compare how multiple outlets report the same story.

This empowers you to consume more accurate, balanced, and dependable news.

Related Tools and Resource Pages

To better understand how Belfast Telegraph fits into the broader media landscape, we recommend exploring these helpful resources:

• Media Bias Chart: See where Belfast Telegraph ranks among hundreds of media outlets across the political spectrum.
• Political Bias Chart: Visualize political slants of news sources across various policy areas.
• Journalist Bias Analytics Platform: Explore how individual journalists contribute to bias within their publications.
• Politician Bias Analytics Platform: Compare how politicians are framed differently by Belfast Telegraph and other outlets.
• Media Literacy Education Platform: Learn how to critically assess media sources, bias techniques, and news reliability.