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 very untrustworthy and should be fact-checked on a per-article basis. 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 Komsomolskaya Pravda (K.P.) as Right-center biased and questionable based on promoting state propaganda. We also rate them Mixed for factual reporting due to the promotion of one-sided reporting, sensational reporting, poor sourcing, and failed fact checks.
Detailed Report
Reasoning: Propaganda, Poor Sources, Censorship, Failed Fact Checks
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: Russia
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: TOTAL OPPRESSION
Media Type: Newspaper
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: LOW CREDIBILITY
History
Komsomolskaya Pravda (K.P.) is a Russian tabloid founded in 1925 as the official publication of the Komsomol, the youth wing section of the Communist Party. Later on, in the 1990s, K.P. transitioned into a tabloid format. The publication is known for its largely sensationalist journalism, celebrity culture, gossip columns, and crime stories that mirror the style of British or American tabloids. Its headquarters is in Moscow.
Read our profile on Russian media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Originally part of ProfMedia and owned by Vladimir Potanin, Komsomolskaya Pravda transitioned to Baltic Media Group, led by Oleg Rudnov. Initially managed through a Cypriot entity, it shifted to Russian jurisdiction due to regulatory changes. Oleg Rudnov’s death resulted in ownership of Komsomolskaya Pravda transferring to Sergei Rudnov, his son, who now holds a 45% stake in the publication. Advertising and subscriptions generate revenue, and JSC Publishing House Komsomolskaya Pravda is the publisher.
Analysis / Bias
Komsomolskaya Pravda (K.P.) is a tabloid-style publication known for its sensationalism in news coverage. Its articles often use attention-grabbing language and emotional framing, such as “Khan to you, and the dog”: in Bratsk, neighbors bitten by a pit bull attacked its owner with a bat.” The headline uses attention-grabbing language and frames the story as a dramatic confrontation between neighbors and a dangerous dog. While the article reports on an actual event, it uses language and techniques commonly associated with tabloids to sensationalize the story and appeal to readers’ emotions.
In its political news, particularly regarding Ukraine, K.P. employs emotionally loaded language and generalizations to evoke emotions and support its pro-Russian narrative. For instance, an article titled “Is Ukraine being prepared for a “historical partition”? Why Kyiv’s closest ally stabbed him in the back. Senator Tsekov: Kyiv’s stupidity will lead to the division of Ukraine” suggests that Ukraine is being prepared for a “historical partition,” heavily favoring Russia’s perspective on the Ukraine conflict while criticizing Ukrainian leadership. The article also contains factual inaccuracies and relies heavily on the opinions of a pro-Russian politician, Senator Tsekov, without presenting alternative viewpoints.
In its coverage of U.S. politics, K.P. published an interview titled “How Trump and Biden Use Obscenities: Viktor Bout Discusses Discord in the USA.” This interview explores the use of offensive language in American politics, focusing on former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden. K.P. frames the discussion around insights from Russian businessman Viktor Bout, who draws from his 15-year prison experience in the U.S.
Another article discusses Tucker Carlson’s possible interview with Vladimir Putin. It suggests Americans fear this interview because it might expose the truth about the Ukraine conflict and the Biden administration’s role. The article is critical of the United States and makes several claims not supported by evidence. For example, the author claims that the Biden administration is “putting America on the brink of war” with Russia. There is no evidence to support this claim.
Failed Fact Checks
- In the news, they are now are talking about the first people killed and even raped in Minneapolis. – False
- Actor Johnny Depp Had Car Accident and Paid Dates with 40 Girls While in Russia. – False
- “If Russia attacks Ukraine, we won’t be able to help.” – False
Overall, we rate Komsomolskaya Pravda (K.P.) as Right-center biased and questionable based on promoting state propaganda. We also rate them Mixed for factual reporting due to the promotion of one-sided reporting, sensational reporting, poor sourcing, and failed fact checks. (M. Huitsing 02/04/2024)
Source: kp.ru
Last Updated on February 4, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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