QUESTIONABLE SOURCE
A questionable source exhibits one or more of the following: extreme bias, consistent promotion of propaganda/conspiracies, poor or no sourcing to credible information, a complete lack of transparency, and/or is fake news. Fake News is the deliberate attempt to publish hoaxes and/or disinformation for profit or influence (Learn More). Sources listed in the Questionable Category may be untrustworthy and should be fact-checked per article. Please note sources on this list are not considered fake news unless specifically written in the reasoning section for that source. See all Questionable sources.
- Overall, we rate the Daily Star UK Questionable based on frequent use of sensational headlines, routine publication of conspiracy theories and pseudoscience, and a long track record with failed fact checks and fake news.
Detailed Report
Reasoning: Conspiracy Theories, Sensationalism, Fake News, Pseudoscience
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: United Kingdom
Press Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Newspaper
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: LOW CREDIBILITY
History
Founded in 1978, The Daily Star is a UK-based tabloid-style newspaper. The stories published typically revolve around celebrities, sports, and gossip about popular television programs, such as soap operas and reality TV shows.
Read our profile on UK government influence on media.
Funded by / Ownership
The Daily Star is owned by Reach plc (formerly known as Trinity Mirror), a British newspaper, magazine, and digital publisher. Reach also publishes the Daily Mirror and Daily Express. The paper is funded through a subscription, newsstand sales, and advertising model.
Analysis / Bias
In review, The Daily Star is a tabloid that usually publishes entertainment and lifestyle-type stories. They do not often report on politics; however, when they do, they use loaded sensational wording such as this: Lags ‘chant f*** Boris’ as Prime Minister is ‘ushered away from prison visit.’ Other political stories are not favorable toward US President Donald Trump, such as this: ‘Beginning of the END OF DAYS’ Biblical prophet predicts Trump bringing return of MESSIAH. This conspiratorial article does not offer hyperlinked sourcing. Most reports do not provide proper sourcing, though many contain videos.
Editorially, the Daily Star does not endorse candidates, though they often report negatively on Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson in reviewing their political news. However, they generally favor right-leaning positions such as reporting negatively on the EU and supporting Brexit. In general, the Daily Star is Right-Center biased editorially.
The Daily Star has a long track record of publishing unsubstantiated conspiracy theories and pseudoscience such as these:
- Princess Diana ‘MURDERED in deliberate car crash by ancient royal cult.’
- The filmmaker has ‘proof the Moon Landings were a CIA HOAX.’
- REVEALED: Claims black ops mission ‘to hide alien planet that will DESTROY Earth’
- 9/11 attacks ‘predicted in BIBLE’: Shock claim prophecy laid out in Book of Revelation
- ‘Aliens are coming’: How to protect YOUR brain from UFO mind control
Failed Fact Checks
- Hundreds of thousands of residents in North Korea’s capital Pyongyang were evacuated due to “nuke” fears. – FALSE
- “Paves the way for the UK to keep its 1870 ban on lags taking part in elections” – FALSE
- Are only 1% of illegal immigrants deported? – FALSE
- Fake News: Woman Did NOT Die From Overdose After Trying to Smoke Meth Through Her Anus – FALSE
- Cadbury has entirely eliminated use of the word “Easter” on the packaging of their chocolate candy products. – FALSE
Overall, we rate the Daily Star UK Questionable based on frequent use of sensational headlines, routine publication of conspiracy theories and pseudoscience, and a long track record with failed fact checks and fake news. (D. Van Zandt 11/25/2016) Updated (8/21/2022)
Source: https://www.dailystar.co.uk
Last Updated on May 22, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources
