Mission: Biased, agenda-driven news and information are driving division in the United States and misleading the populace. The Media Research Center has been studying and documenting media bias in network newscasts since 1987 and works diligently to provide reliable, fact-driven information about the media because the American people deserve to be told the truth. The MRC provides cutting-edge news monitoring services to help educate the public about misleading news, bias by omission and commission, and more.
In addition, one of the biggest threats facing conservatives is online censorship of conservative views by Facebook, Twitter, Google, and other big tech firms. The MRC is leading the fight to expose tech firm policies that suppress speech and force tech firms to uphold the principles of free speech.
Media Research Center is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1988, and donations are tax-deductible.
Is this your nonprofit? Access your Star Rating Portal to submit data and edit your profile.
Contact Information
1900 Campus Commons Drive
Suite 600
Reston VA 20191
Important note on the timeliness of ratings
The IRS is significantly delayed in processing nonprofits' annual tax filings (Forms 990). As a result, the Financial and Accountability & Transparency score for Media Research Center is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations. Please check with the charity directly for any questions you may have.
You are viewing this organization's new Charity Navigator profile page. To view the legacy version, click here.
Star Rating System by Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator evaluates a nonprofit organization’s financial health including measures of stability, efficiency and sustainability. We also track accountability and transparency policies to ensure the good governance and integrity of the organization.
Needs Improvement
This charity's score is 77.05, earning it a 2-Star rating. Charity Navigator believes donors can "Give with Confidence" to charities with 3- and 4-Star ratings.
This score is calculated from two sub-scores:
Finance: 68.31 View details
Accountability & Transparency: 93.00 View details
This score represents Form 990 data from 2019, the latest year published by the IRS.
View this organization’s historical ratings.
Star Rated Report
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
Program Expense Ratio
68.9%
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three 990s).
This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver. Dividing a charity's average program expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Administrative Expenses
6.5%
As reported by charities on their IRS Form 990, this measure reflects what percent of its total budget a charity spends on overhead, administrative staff and associated costs, and organizational meetings. Dividing a charity's average administrative expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Expenses
24.4%
This measure reflects what a charity spends to raise money. Fundraising expenses can include campaign printing, publicity, mailing, and staffing and costs incurred in soliciting donations, memberships, and grants. Dividing a charity's average fundraising expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Liabilities to Assets Ratio
25.4%
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990).
Part of our goal in rating the financial performance of charities is to help donors assess the financial capacity and sustainability of a charity. As do organizations in other sectors, charities must be mindful of their management of total liabilites in relation to their total assets. This ratio is an indicator of an organization’s solvency and or long term sustainability. Dividing a charity's total liabilities by its total assets yields this percentage.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Efficiency
$0.29
The amount spent to raise $1 in charitable contributions. To calculate a charity's fundraising efficiency, we divide its average fundraising expenses by the average total contributions it receives. We calculate the charity's average expenses and average contributions over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Working Capital Ratio
0.77 years
Determines how long a charity could sustain its level of spending using its net available assets, or working capital, as reported on its most recently filed Form 990. We include in a charity's working capital unrestricted and temporarily restricted net assets, and exclude permanently restricted net assets. Dividing these net available assets in the most recent year by a charity's average total expenses, yields the working capital ratio. We calculate the charity's average total expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense Growth
0.41%
We compute the average annual growth of program expenses using the following formula: [(Yn/Y0)(1/n)]-1, where Y0 is a charity's program expenses in the first year of the interval analyzed, Yn is the charity's program expenses in the most recent year, and n is the interval of years passed between Y0 and Yn.
Source: IRS Form 990
Governance
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990 that the organization has these governance practices in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990
| Governance: | |
|---|---|
| Independent Voting Board Members ... (More) | |
| No Material Diversion of Assets ... (More) A diversion of assets – any unauthorized conversion or use of the organization's assets other than for the organization's authorized purposes, including but not limited to embezzlement or theft – can seriously call into question a charity's financial integrity. We check the charity's last two Forms 990 to see if the charity has reported any diversion of assets. If the charity does report a diversion, then we check to see if it complied with the Form 990 instructions by describing what happened and its corrective action. This metric will be assigned to one of the following categories:
| |
| Audited Financials Prepared by Independent Accountant ... (More) Audited financial statements provide important information about financial accountability and accuracy. They should be prepared by an independent accountant with oversight from an audit committee. (It is not necessary that the audit committee be a separate committee. Often at smaller charities, it falls within the responsibilities of the finance committee or the executive committee.) The committee provides an important oversight layer between the management of the organization, which is responsible for the financial information reported, and the independent accountant, who reviews the financials and issues an opinion based on its findings. We check the charity's Form 990 reporting to see if it meets this criteria.
| |
| Does Not Provide Loan(s) to or Receive Loan(s) From Related Parties ... (More) | |
| Documents Board Meeting Minutes ... (More) | |
| Distributes 990 to Board Before Filing ... (More) | |
| Compensates Board ... (More) |
Policies
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization has these policies in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Policies: | |
|---|---|
| Conflict of Interest ... (More) | |
| Whistleblower ... (More) | |
| Records Retention and Destruction ... (More) | |
| CEO Compensation Process ... (More) | |
| Donor Privacy ... (More) Donors can be reluctant to contribute to a charity when their name, address, or other basic information may become part of donor lists that are exchanged or sold, resulting in an influx of charitable solicitations from other organizations. Our analysts check the charity's website to see if the organization has a donor privacy policy in place and what it does and does not cover. Privacy policies are assigned to one of the following categories:
The privacy policy must be specific to donor information. A general website policy which references "visitor" or "user" personal information will not suffice. A policy that refers to donor information collected on the website is also not sufficient as the policy must be comprehensive and applicable to both online and offline donors. The existence of a privacy policy of any type does not prohibit the charity itself from contacting the donor for informational, educational, or solicitation purposes. (Less) | Partial |
Transparency
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization makes this information easily accessible.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Transparency: | |
|---|---|
| CEO Salary Listed on 990 ... (More) | |
| Board of Directors Listed on Website ... (More) | |
| Key Staff Listed on Website ... (More) | |
| Audited Financial Statements on Website ... (More) | |
| Form 990 Available on Website ... (More) |
Additional Information
Unscored
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
Total Revenue and Expenses
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Salary of Key Persons
Presented here are this organizations key compensated staff members as identified by our analysts. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. In some cases, these amounts may include compensation from related organizations. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting
L. Brent Bozell, President
$346,100 (2.42% of Total Expenses)
Current CEO and Board Chair can be found in the Leadership & Adaptability report below.
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2019
Business Master File Data
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Activities:
Publishing activities (BMF activity code: 120)
Foundation Status:
Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (BMF foundation code: 15)
Affiliation:
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)
Data Sources: IRS Forms 990
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to view this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available).
Pandemic Response
Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, we give charities such as this one the opportunity to share the story of COVID's impact on them. Charities may submit their own pandemic responses through their nonprofit portal.
Media Research Center reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Many of our donors rely on personal visits from our fundraisers. This is something we were unable to do during the pandemic.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
In 2020, the organization obtained a loan pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) and a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), which can be forgiven if used for qualifying expenses under the CARES Act.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
Fortunately, our team was still able to work from home and produce great media analysis, videos, and original news.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
We launched Zoom briefings to stay in touch with donors and keep them abreast of the latest
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
Our Zoom updates are something we will still employ on appropriate occasions.
Historical Ratings
| Date Published | Form 990 FYE | Overall Score | Overall Rating |
| Rating Version: 2.1 | |||
| 5/1/2021 | 2019 | 77.05 | |
| 12/1/2020 | 2018 | 74.56 | |
| 5/1/2020 | 2018 | 72.88 | |
This organization received multiple star ratings within this fiscal year, due to an update to its Accountability and Transparency data and/or the receipt of an amended Form 990. | |||
| 8/1/2019 | 2017 | 72.90 | |
| 6/1/2018 | 2016 | 75.01 | |
| 5/1/2017 | 2015 | 78.57 | |
| 6/1/2016 | 2014 | 78.11 | |
| Rating Version: 2.0 | |||
| 4/1/2016 | 2014 | 80.02 |  |
| 6/1/2015 | 2013 | 82.94 | |
| 12/1/2013 | 2012 | 82.38 | |
| 12/1/2012 | 2011 | 76.41 | |
| 11/1/2011 | 2010 | 83.37 | |
| 9/20/2011 | 2009 | 83.40 | |
| Rating Version: 1.0 | |||
| 4/1/2011 | 2009 | 79.16 | |
| 5/1/2010 | 2008 | 77.81 | |
| 11/1/2008 | 2007 | 81.82 | |
| 12/1/2007 | 2006 | 80.61 | |
| 12/1/2006 | 2005 | 74.47 | |
| 1/1/2006 | 2004 | 68.13 |  |
| 9/1/2004 | 2003 | 77.02 | |
| 11/1/2003 | 2002 | 58.50 | |
| 2/5/2003 | 2001 | 69.78 | |
Previous: Finance & Accountability / Next: Leadership & Adaptability
Impact & Results
This score estimates the actual impact a nonprofit has on the lives of those it serves, and determines whether it is making good use of donor resources to achieve that impact.
Impact & Results Score
Not Currently Scored
Media Research Center cannot currently be evaluated by our Encompass Rating Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Do you work at Media Research Center? Join the waitlist for an updated Impact & Results score.
Additional Information
Unscored
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
Largest Programs
Media Research Center reported its three largest programs on its FY 2019 Form 990 as:
$3,311,679
Spent in most recent FY
30%
Percent of program expenses
News Analysis Division
$2,412,831
Spent in most recent FY
21%
Percent of program expenses
Cybercast News Service
$1,678,997
Spent in most recent FY
15%
Percent of program expenses
Media Research Center Action
Previous: Impact & Results / Next: Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
This score provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
Leadership & Adaptability Score
100
out of 100
The score earned by Media Research Center is a passing score. This score has no effect on the organization's Star Rating.
Encompass Rating V4 provides an evaluation of the organization's Leadership & Adaptability through the nonprofit organization submitting a survey response directly to Charity Navigator.
Leadership & Adaptability Report
100
of 100 points
Mission
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s mission
Biased, agenda-driven news and information are driving division in the United States and misleading the populace. The Media Research Center has been studying and documenting media bias in network newscasts since 1987 and works diligently to provide reliable, fact-driven information about the media because the American people deserve to be told the truth. The MRC provides cutting-edge news monitoring services to help educate the public about misleading news, bias by omission and commission, and more. Online censorship by Facebook, Twitter, Google, and other big tech firms is oppressive and authoritarian. The Big Tech companies are more powerful than any the world has ever known, and they have massive global influence. The MRC is leading the fight to expose tech firm policies that suppress speech and force tech firms to uphold the principles of free speech.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Vision
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
The MRC aims to create a media culture in America where truth and liberty flourish.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Strategic Goals
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: Expand our database of verified incidents of censorship, suspensions, etc. and prove online censorship through data and storytelling. Work to educate the public & lawmakers about Section 230 reform.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Two: Ensure that Big Tech censorship and media bias remain a national concern by producing, distributing, and marketing written and video content providing examples and analysis.
Goal Type: This goal reflects our commitment to further our advocacy work for our organization and or cause area.
Goal Three: Grow the size, impact, influence and relevance of our Free Speech Alliance with a special focus on working with state-based organizations and international organizations.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Leadership Development
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
All members of the MRC leadership team have multiple opportunities to receive training, attend conferences, and engage with other allied nonprofit leaders to ensure that they are growing professionally as an individual, keep current with industry best practices, and identify ways MRC can increase our impact. Additionally, MRC’s leaders gather offsite annually to discuss current challenges and opportunities and develop strategies to guide and grow the organization. Leaders mentor and guide the development of junior leaders within the organizations by offering numerous training and opportunities to grow into leadership roles.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Mobilizing for Mission
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
This organization mobilizes for mission in the following ways:
Strategic Partnerships
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Thought Leadership
Raising Awareness
Policy Advocacy
What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?
Our leadership holds numerous meetings with outside nonprofits and individuals in the private and public sectors. These meetings serve informational and educational purposes, establish and build our networks, and guide our advocacy efforts. MRC created a coalition, the Free Speech Alliance, which has grown to 100 members, including 10 international partners, and works in tandem to drive policy advocacy. Our CEO has been leading a group of 30 allied organizations in discussions on how our movement can change to meet the needs of the people in the current political environment, leading to the creation of a new organization. In addition, we publish and market our extensive research, which has been used by numerous national political and policy leaders; we regularly present at conferences; our experts and leaders appear in TV interviews, and our articles are featured multiple times a week in print and on digital outlets.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Story of Adaptability
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
With COVID-19 continuing to be a challenge for the organization and the country as a whole, the MRC rose to the challenge by continuing our work. Free Speech America demonstrated censorship by Big Tech organizations by expanding our database of incidents and publishing numerous influential reports. The Free Speech Alliance met overseas and is planning an international event for 2022. The studies by our News Analysis Division revealed the issues the media wanted to hide and the narratives they promoted in 2021. Our MRCTV division traveled west to create a documentary about the shutdown of the Keystone Pipeline. And we examined media claims of "voter suppression" by examining the facts and providing relevant coverage.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Additional Information
Unscored
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
Organization Leadership
L. Brent Bozell III
Founder and President
Karl Otteson
Chairman
Previous: Leadership & Adaptability
Culture & Community
This score provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves. Learn more about how and why we rate Culture & Community.
Culture & Community Score
100
out of 100
Media Research Center has earned a passing score. This score has no effect on the organization's Star Rating. The organization provided data about how it listens to constituents (Constituent Feedback) (see report below).
The Culture & Community Beacon is comprised of the following metrics:
Constituent Feedback: 100/100 (100% of beacon score)
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Not Scored
Culture & Community Report
100
of 100 points
This beta feature is currently viewable only on desktop or tablet screens. Check back later for updates.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
This organization has not provided information regarding the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices it is presently implementing. As such, the organization has not earned a score on this metric. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations implementing effective DEI policies and practices can enhance a nonprofit's decision-making, staff motivation, innovation, and effectiveness.
Methodology
We are utilizing data collected by Candid to document and assess the DEI practices implemented by the organization. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to fill out the Equity Strategies section of their Candid profiles to receive a rating.
Learn more about the methodology.
Constituent Feedback
100/100 points
100% of beacon score
This organization reported that it is collecting feedback from the constituents and/or communities it serves. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations that engage in inclusive practices, such as collecting feedback from the people and communities they serve, may be more effective.
View this organization's Constituent Feedback Practices
Methodology
We've partnered with Candid to survey organizations about their feedback practices. Nonprofit organizations can fill out the How We Listen section of their Candid profile to receive a rating.
Learn more about the methodology.
Analysis and Research
Like the overall Encompass Rating System, the Culture & Community Beacon is designed to evolve as metrics are developed and ready for integration. Below you can find more information about the metrics we currently evaluate in this beacon and their relevance to nonprofit performance.
Constituent Feedback
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
