LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.
- Overall, IOL receives a “Least Biased” rating as its coverage can vary from supporting to critiquing the same subjects in different articles, showing no consistent political bias. However, we rate it “Mixed” for factual reporting due to poor sourcing practices, including a lack of external references and a few failed fact checks.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: South Africa
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Independent Online (IOL) is described on its About page as South Africa’s oldest news site. It covers various topics such as news, current affairs, business, sports, lifestyle, entertainment, and more. However, the About page does not mention its founding date or founder. IOL is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa.
Read our profile South Africa Government and Media.
Funded by / Ownership
Sagarmartha Technologies Ltd, a subsidiary of the Sekunjalo Group, owns IOL. Advertisements generate revenue.
Analysis / Bias
IOL offers a broad array of content, reflecting diverse perspectives in its reporting. It syndicates content from various sources, including the African News Agency, Reuters, AFP, The Washington Post, Xinhua, Sputnik, and IANS. We reviewed articles, including one featuring Jacob Zuma, titled ‘We Will Remove Ramaphosa and Liberate the People of South Africa.’ This article presents Zuma’s political views, evoking strong emotions. As a direct statement, the title conveys a strong emotive tone and can influence the perception. The article discusses poll results but does not provide hyperlinks or specific references, affecting the ability to verify the presented data. The framing is left-leaning, focusing on themes of liberation and anti-establishment sentiments consistent with the progressive political stance associated with Zuma and the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party.
Another article, “MK Party’s Internal Squabbles Laid Bare,” suggests bias through its focus on internal conflicts within the MK Party; the article notably emphasizes former president Jacob Zuma’s perceived loss of influence within the MK Party and emphasizes the internal strife within the MK Party, focusing on the disputes, accusations, and perspectives of dissatisfied members. The piece lacks a balanced view by concentrating mainly on internal strife and criticisms, which could lead readers to perceive the MK Party negatively.
As seen in articles about Jacob Zuma and the MK Party, IOL’s reporting presents a narrative style that balances different perspectives without a clear, consistent bias towards one political viewpoint. While one article presents Zuma positively, another critically exposes internal party conflicts. Further, IOL’s lifestyle section, which includes articles like “Taking back control: Six ways to manage narcissists,” provides readers with guidance on personal and psychological topics. However, these articles often lack hyperlinks to scientific research or expert opinions to substantiate their claims.
Failed Fact Checks
- Depressed? You don’t need pills. – Misleading
- KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa’s murder capital. – Misleading
- 30,000 children “trafficked” into the sex trade every year in South Africa; 30,000 children “currently” being prostituted in South Africa. – Unreliable
Overall, IOL receives a “Least Biased” rating as its coverage can vary from supporting to critiquing the same subjects in different articles, showing no consistent political bias. However, we rate it “Mixed” for factual reporting due to poor sourcing practices, including a lack of external references and a few failed fact checks. (M. Huitsing 04/02/2024)
Source: https://www.iol.co.za/
Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources