📰Progressive Media Sources for News, Ideas, & Action
Fact-based journalism with a progressive lens—informing movements, shaping change.
Want sharp reporting, deep analysis, and stories that matter to progressives? Recently updated, these 36 media outlets bring fact-based journalism, investigative reporting, and big-picture insights on politics, policy, activism, and social justice.
Whether you’re looking for hard-hitting investigations, movement-building ideas, or a fresh take on the headlines, these sources can help you stay informed, stay sharp, and stay inspired. (Some sources require paid subscriptions for unlimited access. An asterisk* marks the outlets I use most often for news and analysis.)
The outlets are grouped in tiers: Tier 1 has the broadest reach and credibility, Tier 2 adds strong progressive voices with wide influence, and Tier 3 highlights valuable niche outlets.
Tier 1 – High Influence & Credibility
A nonprofit investigative newsroom exposing corruption, government failures, and social injustice through deep reporting.
PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) | Cascade PBS * (Washington)
A nonprofit public broadcaster known for investigative journalism and educational content, though some progressives consider it overly cautious.
A nonprofit public radio network offering in-depth news and cultural programming, though sometimes criticized for cautious, establishment-friendly reporting.
A British nonprofit news site known for independent, progressive investigative journalism and global political, environmental, and social coverage.
A globally influential newspaper offering investigative journalism and political analysis, though sometimes criticized for centrist bias in political coverage.
A major newspaper known for investigative reporting and government accountability, though its editorial stance tends toward centrist, pro-establishment positions on economic policy.
Tier 2 – Influential with Progressive Perspectives
A policy forum analyzing national security, democracy, and human rights, offering expert legal perspectives with a progressive lens.
A prestigious magazine offering in-depth investigative reporting, political commentary, and cultural criticism with progressive insights.
Vox *
A digital news outlet known for its detailed "explainer" journalism, breaking down policy, politics, and culture from a progressive standpoint.
A magazine featuring long-form journalism and thoughtful political and cultural analysis, often highlighting progressive perspectives.
Once a large digital newsroom, now smaller and relying more on aggregated content; still strong on politics, social justice, and culture coverage.
An investigative news outlet that exposes corruption in politics, corporations, and the media with data-driven, fact-checked reporting.
A digital magazine featuring progressive takes on politics, culture, and technology, with sharp analysis and opinion pieces.
A progressive magazine offering investigative reporting and in-depth analysis of policy, politics, and economic justice.
Digital magazine covering politics, culture, and current events with a strong progressive stance, though its opinion-heavy content can blur news and analysis.
A nonprofit news outlet focusing on grassroots activism, human rights, and underreported global issues, maintaining a strong activist orientation with limited resources compared with larger outlets.
A progressive magazine that covers politics, culture, and social justice, known for its investigative journalism, analysis, and political activism.
An investigative site exposing government surveillance, corporate corruption, and national security overreach, though its influence has waned after staff departures and funding challenges.
A nonprofit magazine known for deep investigative journalism on politics and the environment, though its progressive stance sometimes influences story emphasis and accuracy.
A long-standing progressive magazine blending long-form analysis, historical insight, and liberal advocacy; recently renewed relevance among younger readers.
MS NOW *
Formerly MSNBC, a cable news network offering progressive political analysis, breaking news and videos, and opinion-driven programming with personality-driven commentary.
A fast-growing digital media organization producing short, viral videos and deep reporting on labor rights, corporate power, and working-class movements.
Tier 3 – Valuable Niche Outlets
A nonprofit newsroom producing data-driven investigative reporting on criminal justice and policing reforms.
A nonprofit news site investigating criminal justice and social justice issues, offering in-depth reporting and policy analysis on systemic reform.
A nonprofit news outlet covering local and national issues—such as health, criminal justice, and education—that affect Black communities, with a focus on policy, equity, and civic engagement.
The Seattle Times *
My local daily newspaper, an independent, locally owned outlet recognized for fact-based reporting, award-winning investigations, and coverage of Northwest and national issues that skews left.
A nonprofit newsroom covering gender, policy, and equity with a progressive lens; increasingly influential in national coverage.
A nonprofit news outlet that covers progressive news and activism.
An independent newsletter by Judd Legum exposing money and influence in politics; widely cited by major media.
A nonprofit news organization reporting on social justice, climate change, and government accountability with a progressive stance.
A nonprofit magazine focusing on labor, social movements, and political activism from a progressive-left perspective.
A political news site offering investigative reporting and progressive analysis on U.S. government and policy.
A feminist magazine addressing gender equality, reproductive rights, and social justice with analysis and advocacy.
A digital news and opinion-heavy site covering progressive politics, justice, and activism that often republishes partner content and offers passionate commentary.
A nonprofit magazine covering civil rights, democracy, and economic justice from a leftist perspective.
A magazine offering progressive cultural criticism and political analysis, often challenging mainstream liberalism and leftist movements.
A digital magazine focusing on African American culture, politics, and social justice with a progressive and intersectional approach.
Other Media Resources
Moderate & Conservative Media Sources to Track
Understanding what influences the center-right—without buying into the spin.
The Truth Toolkit: Fact-Checking Resources for Informed Resistance
Understanding where to find reliable fact-checking resources is more critical than ever.
Evaluating the Evaluators: A Guide to Media Analysis & Bias Rating Resources
A categorized list of major media evaluation resources—organizations that analyze news outlets for credibility, reliability, accuracy, and bias. These sites don’t function strictly as fact-checkers but as broader media watchdogs.
Local Journalism & Independent News Media
A ranked guide to advocacy groups protecting journalism, rebuilding trust, and sustaining community news.
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