United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1945
Ownership
ABC News is the news division of the American Broadcasting Company, whose broadcast network traces to 1943-1945 (spun off from NBC's Blue Network); the news division itself dates to the mid-1940s. ABC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, which acquired Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion in a deal closing in 1996. Editorial and corporate control therefore sits with the publicly traded Disney conglomerate.
Funding
ABC News is funded commercially, primarily through television and digital advertising sold against its audience, plus carriage/affiliate arrangements, all within Disney's media operations. There is no state or party financing.
Affiliation & stance
ABC News is owned by a publicly traded commercial corporation with no party or government control, so it is INDEPENDENT. Its coverage is commonly rated center to center-left, but that reflects editorial tendency rather than ownership by any party, church or state.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 260
78/100
Factual
73/100
Objective
300
Articles
297
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Zelensky Says Trump Accused Him of Misleading Him Over Musk, Starlink Plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged that former U.S. President Donald Trump falsely accused him of misleading the American leadership regarding negotiations with Elon Musk over the use of Starlink technology for military purposes in Ukraine. According to Zelensky, Ukrainian officials had previously informed him that SpaceX had conditionally approved Starlink usage over Russian territory for long-range operations, which he shared with Trump. However, Trump later claimed Musk had denied such access, leading to accusations of deception. The dispute highlights growing tensions between Zelensky and the U.S., particularly as Ukraine continues to rely on Starlink for critical military communications and drone operations. The situation also coincides with internal political challenges within Ukraine, including the resignation of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who criticized restrictions on Starlink access and called for early presidential elections.
Tropical Storm Moke advances toward Hawaii as winds strengthen
Tropical Storm Moke is approaching Hawaii, threatening to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Big Island, which is still recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Lala. Forming in the Pacific Ocean, Moke is currently 470 miles southeast of Hilo and moving west-northwest at 12 mph. The National Hurricane Center reports maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. While Moke is expected to pass south of a direct hit, the Big Island will experience significant rain and wind, particularly on the windward and southeast sides. Forecasters predict rainfall of 5 to 10 inches on these areas, with isolated spots seeing up to 15 inches. Officials are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding, mudslides, and dangerous conditions. Although no coastal watches or warnings are active, 9,000 customers remain without power, and state officials have held a news conference to address concerns.
Eight US States Doug Ford Wants Canada To Target With Tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has suggested that eight U.S. states, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Texas, and Wisconsin, should face additional retaliatory tariffs as part of a trade dispute with the United States. Ford argued these states are politically significant to the current U.S. administration's support base. The call came after trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada collapsed, leading to the suspension of talks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. In response, the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on many Canadian goods, affecting nearly $20 billion in imports. Carney criticized the move as a 'miscalculation,' noting the deep economic ties between the two nations. Ford emphasized that Ontario would use all available tools to retaliate, urging other provinces to follow suit. Meanwhile, Republican Senator Susan Collins expressed concern that the trade tensions could harm businesses in her home state.
‘Survival mode’: Indiana residents endure a ninth day without power
Tens of thousands of residents in northwest Indiana have been without electricity for nine days following a severe storm on August 11, which caused widespread damage, including fallen trees and power lines. Schools remain closed, and residents are struggling with basic needs such as food, water, and charging devices. Many rely on social media to locate essential services, while others face health risks due to reliance on generators and spoiled food. Power restoration efforts are ongoing, though full recovery is not expected until early next week in some areas. Community leaders highlight both the challenges of prolonged outages and the resilience of local volunteers helping affected residents.
SEE IT: Disturbing Detail Karmelo Anthony Jury Never Saw
Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf, had prior behavior that was not presented to the jury during his trial. This included reports that he was stalking an ex-girlfriend and obsessed with weapons, as well as sending threatening messages shortly before the killing. Collin County Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye revealed this additional information during a recent hearing, stating that the prosecution and defense had agreed to exclude such historical details from the trial to focus solely on the events of the day of the stabbing. The decision also avoided introducing Metcalf's past behavior, which included racially charged graffiti, to prevent further racial tensions. Anthony was convicted of murder and received a 35-year sentence, but he has since appealed the verdict. Recently, Judge John Roach was removed from overseeing the appeal, and retired Judge Michael Chitty will now review Anthony's request for a retrial.
Boat hauls in 1,260-pound blue marlin believed to be East Coast's largest catch
Damon Sacco and angler Walter Chapman caught a 1,260-pound blue marlin off the coast of Massachusetts, which they believe is the largest ever recorded on the U.S. East Coast. The fish, over 11 feet long, was nearly 142 pounds short of the world record set in Brazil in 1992. Experts note that catching such a large fish in New England is rare due to the region's colder waters, which limit the species' presence. The fish's head is being analyzed for age, with estimates suggesting it could be between 25 to 30 years old. The catch occurred in Atlantis Canyon, where blue marlin are seasonal visitors. The event drew crowds, with onlookers praising the achievement as a once-in-a-lifetime catch.
A quiet channel between ICE and Iran shaped deportation flights, newly released emails show
Newly released emails reveal that U.S. immigration officials coordinated with Iranian authorities to deport Iranians in 2025, despite ongoing tensions between the two nations. Over 100 Iranians were deported on three separate flights in September 2025, December 2025, and January 2026, with Iranian officials influencing which individuals were included. Emails show that ICE officials made last-minute changes to deportation lists based on requests from the Iranian Embassy. The coordination continued even during a period of heightened conflict, including the 12-day war with the U.S. and Israel in June 2025. Critics argue that deporting Iranians to a country with documented human rights concerns raises ethical questions. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to inquiries, and Iranian officials previously estimated up to 400 deportations under a Trump-era agreement.
Former Hong Kong vigil organizer strives to mark Tiananmen crackdown despite convictions
The article discusses the continued efforts of Tang Ngok-kwan, a former organizer of Hong Kong's annual candlelight vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, despite his conviction under Beijing's national security law. Tang, now 58, continues to quietly honor the victims of the crackdown, which remains a sensitive topic in mainland China. Two of his former colleagues were recently convicted of inciting subversion, with their organization also found guilty. The Hong Kong government defended the convictions, stating the court followed legal procedures and emphasized that certain rights are not absolute. Tang expressed disagreement with the ruling, feeling that the convictions have created a climate of caution around discussions of the alliance. The article highlights the decline in freedoms in Hong Kong since its return to Chinese rule in 1997.
Inside Trump's remake of the White House Rose Garden. First a stone patio, then statues
President Donald Trump has transformed the White House Rose Garden by replacing its traditional lawn with a white stone patio and installing statues of historical figures such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. The latest addition, a bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson signing the Declaration of Independence, was gifted by sculptor George Lundeen. The changes align with Trump's broader renovation efforts, including upgrades to the Oval Office, a ballroom, and a helipad. Lundeen noted that the Jefferson statue was intended for display during the 250th anniversary of America's founding but faced delays due to logistical challenges. Trump expressed appreciation for the artwork via a voicemail message to Lundeen.
New York woman charged with plotting to set off explosives at state Capitol, kill lawmakers
A 35-year-old woman from Albany, New York, named Jessica Bowie, has been charged with federal terrorism offenses after allegedly planning to detonate explosives at the New York State Capitol and kill lawmakers. Authorities revealed that Bowie had been under FBI surveillance for over a month, communicating with a confidential informant posing as an ISIS facilitator. The FBI reportedly provided her with funds to purchase bomb-making materials and later handed her a gun, ammunition, and an inert explosive during a sting operation. Bowie was arrested as she left the meeting with the weapons. Court documents indicate she converted to Islam five years ago and had posted online content supporting terrorism. FBI agents monitored her online activity and discovered her intent to attack the Capitol, noting her reconnaissance efforts and procurement of bomb-making supplies. Officials described her actions as an 'attack on democracy' and emphasized the threat posed by her potential future attacks.
How a sanctuary outside LA has cared for rare, endangered gibbons for a half-century
In the Santa Clarita Valley, north of Los Angeles, the Gibbon Conservation Center has spent 50 years caring for critically endangered gibbons. The sanctuary now houses approximately 40 gibbons across five species, known for their distinctive and loud vocalizations that can be heard miles away. Founded by Alan Mootnick, a self-taught primatologist, the center has grown into a global hub for gibbon research and conservation. After Mootnick's death in 2011, Director Gabi Skollar took over his mission, continuing his work in gibbon care and research. The gibbons' behaviors and vocal patterns provide valuable insights for conservation efforts, especially as wild gibbons face threats such as habitat loss and wildlife trafficking.
Texas court slashes $50M judgment against Infowars' Alex Jones
On August 21, 2026, a Texas court reduced a $50 million judgment against Alex Jones, founder of Infowars, to $1.5 million regarding his false claims that the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting was a hoax. The ruling, issued by the Texas Third Court of Appeals, determined that the plaintiffs, Sandy Hook parents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, failed to prove that harassment stemming from Jones' claims reached a level warranting damages exceeding the state’s $750,000 per plaintiff cap. While this decision does not impact a separate $1.4 billion judgment against Jones in Connecticut, it marks a legal victory for him after he was previously found liable for spreading falsehoods about the massacre. Jones acknowledged the attack was '100% real' but claimed the lawsuit violated his First Amendment rights. The case highlights ongoing legal battles involving Jones, who has filed for bankruptcy, and the broader implications of misinformation and free speech.
Law firm with ties to Trump administration declines offer to represent migrant children
A Texas-based law firm with historical ties to the Trump administration, Burke Law Group, rejected a $150 million federal contract to represent unaccompanied migrant children in deportation cases. The decision comes as the administration moves to award the contract to Burke, despite its limited experience in immigration law. The previous contract with nearly 100 providers expired in July with no replacement, leaving temporary representation in place until December. The Office of Refugee Resettlement, which oversees these contracts, provided no explanation for Burke's rejection. The firm's founder previously worked under the Trump administration, and its roster includes individuals aligned with conservative policies. Legal experts note that Congress mandates legal representation for detained children, highlighting ongoing concerns about access to adequate legal services.