Daily Source Bias Check: The Straits Times

These media sources are slightly to moderately conservative in bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor conservative causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information, but may require further investigation. See all Right-Center sources.

• Overall, we rate The Straits Times Right-Center Biased based on editorial positions that favor the right. We also rate them Mostly Factual in reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact check record, but limited by government censorship and the promotion of state propaganda.

Detailed Report

Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Country: Singapore
World Press Freedom Rank: Singapore 151/180

History

The Straits Times, launched on July 15, 1845, is an English-language newspaper based in Singapore. It has a print and online edition that provides coverage of world news, East Asian news, Southeast Asian news, home news, sports news, financial news and lifestyle.

The Straits Times particularly focuses on events in Singapore and the region. The Straits Times is a member of two media networks – the Asia News Network and the Impact Journalism Day alliance of newspapers – and according to National Library Board it has won multiple media awards and it is the most widely read newspaper in Singapore.

Funded by / Ownership

The Straits Times is currently owned by Singapore Press Holdings, with revenue derived from advertising, classifieds and subscription sales. 

Analysis / Bias

The Straits Times, according to its WikiPage is sometimes referred to as “the mouthpiece” of the ruling party or at least “mostly pro-government” and “close to the government”. According to Human Rights Watch “The government’s Media Development Authority (MDA) compels online news websites covering domestic political issues to register under the Broadcasting Act.” The MDA removes anything it deems to be against “public interest, public order or national harmony” or to offend “good taste or decency.” In other words there is significant pro-state bias.

The Straits Times uses right-center bias in editorial pieces when reporting USA news and often sources to credible information.

A factual search reveals they have not failed a fact check.

Overall, we rate The Straits Times Right-Center Biased based on editorial positions that favor the right. We also rate them Mostly Factual in reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact check record, but limited by government censorship and the promotion of state propaganda.  (M. Huitsing 8/14/2017) Updated (7/22/2019)

Source: https://www.straitstimes.com