About HeadlineLens

How It Works

HeadlineLens is a fully automated system running every 30 minutes. It gathers top news headlines in the United States using NewsAPI, analyzes and maps domains to their media bias, and queries fact-check databases using the Google Fact Check Tools API.

By grouping connected keywords in real time, our dashboard clusters similar articles into trending topics. This allows readers to compare perspectives side-by-side from multiple sources across the political spectrum.

Our Bias Ratings

We classify source domains into four distinct categories:

• Left: Sources that generally lean progressive, liberal, or left of center.
• Center: Sources known for neutral, balanced, or non-partisan reporting.
• Right: Sources that generally lean conservative, traditionalist, or right of center.
• Mixed / Unmapped: Sources with mixed bias, editorial leanings that shift, or new platforms currently unmapped.

Bias assignments are based on leading media transparency methodologies (such as AllSides and Media Bias/Fact Check). They serve as a guide to assist users in recognizing editorial tilt.

Why This Matters

In today's fast-moving news landscape, filter bubbles and confirmation bias can limit our exposure to diverse viewpoints. HeadlineLens aims to foster media literacy by providing transparency on news curation. Our tool empowers you to see how different publishers frame the same issue, check claim verifications quickly, and form a well-rounded understanding of current events.