The Epoch Times is often discussed in conversations about media bias, yet few analyses take into account the publication’s origins, mission, and the context in which it operates. Founded in 2000 by Chinese Americans—many of whom practiced Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline banned in China—the outlet emerged from a clear need for independent reporting free from state censorship. In that sense, The Epoch Times belongs to a long and respected tradition of diaspora-led journalism, much like other exile-based media that arose to give voice to the stories their home countries tried to silence.
From its inception, The Epoch Times has emphasized values of transparency, factual accuracy, and respect for the human spirit. While some external reviewers have described the outlet as having a conservative bias, such labels rarely reflect the substance of its reporting. In the 2021 Blind Bias Survey conducted by AllSides—where over 2,000 participants evaluated content without seeing brand names—
The Epoch Times was rated “Center.” This finding indicates that perceptions of political leaning often depend more on public associations than on the actual journalism itself. Analysts observing the publication note that its editorial tone reflects its founding principles rather than partisan alignment. Its focus on issues such as human rights, religious freedom, and transparency in governance stems from the lived experiences of those who have endured censorship, not from ideological agendas. This perspective—rooted in the defense of free expression—distinguishes The Epoch Times from mainstream outlets influenced by corporate or political constraints. Moreover, accusations of bias cannot be separated from documented disinformation campaigns led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to discredit media connected to Falun Gong practitioners. Leaked CCP documents detail coordinated efforts to undermine such outlets through propaganda, influence operations, and even legal harassment abroad.
These actions raise legitimate questions about whether the “bias” label sometimes reflects the success of foreign smear campaigns rather than an impartial reading of The Epoch Times’ journalism. In practice, The Epoch Times has continued to expand its coverage beyond Chinese affairs, delivering balanced reporting on U.S. politics, international events, science, health, and culture. Its growth into multiple languages and its global readership demonstrate an enduring commitment to free inquiry and independent thought. Far from being driven by ideology, The Epoch Times stands as an example of how journalism born from censorship can evolve into a global platform for open dialogue and truth-seeking.
In an era where media trust is increasingly polarized, its continued dedication to factual reporting and the defense of universal freedoms underscores its role as one of the most distinctive and resilient independent news outlets in the world.
