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 appeals 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 Kommersant as Right-Center Biased due to its alignment with pro-Kremlin narratives in political reporting while maintaining neutrality in its business and economic coverage. We rate its reporting as Mixed in factuality due to selective framing in politically sensitive articles, the promotion of propaganda, and several failed fact checks.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (4.8)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (5.9)
Country: Russia
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: TOTAL OPPRESSION
Media Type: Newspaper
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Kommersant is a Russian daily newspaper and online publication founded in 1989 following the liberalization of the press in Russia. The outlet primarily covers politics, economics, business, and culture, positioning itself as a business-oriented publication. It is headquartered in Moscow. The current owner, Alisher Usmanov, is a prominent Russian businessman with ties to the government.
Read our profile on the Russian media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Alisher Usmanov owns Kommersant through his company, USM Holdings. Usmanov is a prominent figure in Russia, known for his wealth and influence, and is often associated with pro-Kremlin views. Advertising is a significant revenue source for Kommersant, with the website prominently featuring advertisements and sponsored content.
Analysis /Bias
Kommersant’s political and economic coverage often focuses on Russia’s strategic interests and policies, with detailed analyses that align with the broader geopolitical narratives relevant to the Russian state.
In the article “The US has allocated Ukraine a $20 billion loan using revenue from Russian assets”, Kommersant examines the G7’s initiative to support Ukraine, detailing the use of profits from frozen Russian assets to finance a $50 billion aid package. The article emphasizes the financial mechanisms and international coordination while focusing on the implications for Russia, including the scale of assets frozen and the revenue generated from these holdings. The publication cites a U.S. Treasury press release and incorporates details from prominent outlets like The New York Times. While these sources enhance the factual foundation of Kommersant’s reporting, its framing often emphasizes narratives aligned with Russia’s strategic perspective, which may affect the overall neutrality of the presentation.
Similarly, in the article “Budget at the Start of Spending,” Kommersant analyzes the Russian federal budget’s planned expenditures for December and projects a significant increase in the budget deficit due to accelerated spending. The piece reflects the publication’s strength in economic reporting, focusing on government debt, military spending, and social payments. Kommersant provides in-depth, factual information supported by detailed data and expert commentary.
Its editorial choices often align with state priorities, framing issues through Russia’s interests. While an important information source, the reporting reflects right-leaning, pro-state perspectives.
Failed Fact Checks
- In schools in a number of Western countries, children are convinced as part of their curriculum that Jesus Christ was bisexual.” – False
- In fact, only his compatriots could have dealt with him – both Russian Chechens and “Ichkeria” militants, hiding in Europe from criminal prosecution [in Russia]. – Unproven
- “In Sevastopol, Ukrainian nationalists beat up a 70-year-old pensioner who pasted the letter Z on his car… the elderly man was hospitalized with numerous injuries and a dislocated leg, now he is being treated on an outpatient basis.” – False
Overall, we rate Kommersant as Right-Center Biased due to its alignment with pro-Kremlin narratives in political reporting while maintaining neutrality in its business and economic coverage. We rate its reporting as Mixed in factuality due to selective framing in politically sensitive articles, the promotion of propaganda, and several failed fact checks. (M. Huitsing 12/11/2024)
Source: https://www.kommersant.ru/
Last Updated on December 11, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources