New York Times Faces Scrutiny Over Transgender Coverage Sourcing

Assigned Media’s recent analysis of The New York Times’ transgender reporting identified 60 news stories, of which only 12 (20 percent) quoted transgender individuals or advocacy representatives. The Times published more transgender-related stories than any outlet surveyed, yet it had the lowest quoting rate.

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The analysis compared the Times’ quoting rate with outlets such as NPR, NBC News, The Associated Press and The 19th, all of which achieved higher percentages of trans-source quotations. Over 100 advocacy organizations have urged the newspaper to revise its sourcing approach. In 2023, more than 1,200 Times contributors signed an open letter accusing the paper of editorial bias and of amplifying “pseudoscience” in coverage of gender-affirming care.

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Publisher A.G. Sulzberger defended the coverage, stating that newsroom leaders had engaged extensively with critics and concluded the reporting was fair, comprehensive, rigorously reported and respectful of the people covered. GLAAD said the Times’ sourcing pattern lacks journalistic integrity, promotes anti-trans conspiracy theories without adequate context, and noted that the coverage has been cited by the Trump administration and the Supreme Court to justify restrictions on civil and human rights. The New York Times did not respond to a request for comment.

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GLAAD said the Times’ sourcing pattern lacks journalistic integrity and promotes anti-trans conspiracy theories without adequate context. A parent of a transgender teenager expressed strong concern about the reporting. Critics argue the coverage has been used in legislative and judicial actions limiting gender-affirming care, including Tennessee’s ban on care for transgender minors.

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The Times maintains that its coverage is fair and comprehensive, while GLAAD and other critics point to the 20 percent quoting rate and the paper’s citation in anti-trans policy arguments as evidence of bias. The newspaper has not responded to the sourcing statistics presented by Assigned Media.

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• “This reporting is deeply concerning to me as the mom of a trans teen,” — Parent of a transgender teenager

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• “has indeed been fair and comprehensive.” — A.G. Sulzberger, Publisher, The New York Times

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• “Assigned Media’s research is consistent with documentation from GLAAD, Media Matters, FAIR , and other media monitors about the New York Times’ problematic coverage of transgender people,” — GLAAD spokesperson

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• “It is inaccurate for the Times to claim that coverage is ‘fair’ or ‘accurate’ or ‘empathetic’ when its stories about transgender people do not include transgender voices. This defies common sense and journalistic integrity.” — GLAAD spokesperson

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Advocacy groups and former contributors continue to call for revised sourcing practices. The criticism was raised at the recent shareholder meeting, and the newspaper has not indicated any change in its approach.

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