Aftenposten is rated Right-Center with High factual reporting by Media Bias Fact Check.
RIGHT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources are slight to moderately conservative in bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing 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 Aftenposten Right-Center biased based on its historically conservative editorial orientation and mildly establishment center-right perspectives in opinion coverage. We rate the outlet High for factual reporting due to excellent sourcing, professional editorial standards, balanced reporting, and a longstanding reputation as Norway’s newspaper of record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (2.8)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.0)
Country: Norway
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: EXCELLENT
Media Type: Newspaper
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Aftenposten is Norway’s largest print newspaper and widely considered the country’s newspaper of record. Founded in 1860 and based in Oslo, the paper is owned by Schibsted ASA. Historically associated with conservative politics and the Norwegian Conservative Party (Høyre), Aftenposten today describes itself as an independent newspaper focused on strengthening democracy and freedom of expression through trustworthy journalism. The outlet maintains domestic and international correspondents and is regarded as one of Scandinavia’s most influential news organizations.
Read our profile on Norway’s media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Aftenposten is wholly owned by Schibsted ASA, which also owns other major Nordic media outlets. Revenue is generated through subscriptions, advertising, and digital media services.
Analysis / Bias
Aftenposten demonstrates a slight Right-Center editorial bias, primarily through its traditional liberal-conservative editorial orientation and frequent publication of center-right economic and governance perspectives. However, reporting remains highly professional, fact-based, and balanced overall.
The outlet’s editorial principles stress press ethics, fact-checking, editorial independence, and explanatory journalism. Aftenposten’s editorial principles and priorities outlines commitments to democratic values, editorial independence, and high-quality journalism grounded in Norway’s press ethics framework.
Straight news reporting is generally neutral and well-sourced. For example, Trump: Ceasefire with Iran continues relies primarily on Reuters and presents both U.S. and Iranian claims without loaded language. Likewise, SL-79 ensured that Oslo has trams today. Now almost all of them have been dismantled is a straightforward local reporting piece with factual, nonpartisan coverage.
Opinion content reflects a broader ideological range but tends to lean toward establishment liberal-democratic and center-right viewpoints. For instance, The Tech Elite and the Quiet Power Revolution discusses concerns about technological elites undermining democratic institutions from a globalist institutional perspective associated with Klaus Schwab. Meanwhile, Democratic parties are losing votes to right-wing populists. Why? approaches European populism critically while still presenting sociological explanations for voter dissatisfaction.
Overall, Aftenposten’s news reporting remains highly factual and balanced despite a mild editorial lean toward mainstream conservative-liberal institutional viewpoints.
Failed Fact Checks
- None to date
Overall, we rate Aftenposten Right-Center biased based on its historically conservative editorial orientation and mildly establishment center-right perspectives in opinion coverage. We rate the outlet High for factual reporting due to excellent sourcing, professional editorial standards, balanced reporting, and a longstanding reputation as Norway’s newspaper of record. (D. Van Zandt 05/11/2026)
Source: https://www.aftenposten.no/
Last Updated on May 11, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources