MoneyControl - Bias and Credibility - 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 Moneycontrol as Right-Center Biased due to its pro-business tone, favorable alignment with the Modi government through ownership and state advertising ties, and occasional politically charged content outside its core financial focus. We rate it Mixed for factual reporting due to poor sourcing practices in select articles and a failed fact check.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (4.8)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (5.0)
Country: India
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MODERATE FREEDOM
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY

History

Launched in 1999, Moneycontrol.com is an India-based financial news portal offering business coverage, market insights, and personal finance tools. It positions itself as a comprehensive resource for investors, with content spanning stocks, mutual funds, commodities, and macroeconomic trends. The “About Us” page emphasizes a mission-driven outlook but does not disclose ownership or editorial leadership.

Read our report on how the Government influences media in India.

Funded by / Ownership

Moneycontrol is owned by Network18 Media & Investments Ltd., a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, which Mukesh Ambani chairs. The site does not disclose this ownership clearly on its About page. Reliance has close ties to the ruling BJP Party and PM Narendra Modi, including exclusive interviews hosted on the official PM website. Network18 has also received significant government advertising revenue, suggesting a potential editorial alignment with the Modi administration.

Network18 also operates CNBC-TV18, News18, and other media properties in India.

Analysis / Bias

Moneycontrol generally provides financial and economic news with a focus on business markets, investment strategies, and policy developments. Its reporting includes analysis from financial institutions and brokerage firms. For example, a recent article on India’s current account deficit uses GDP metrics and trade data from official releases. However, the site also publishes commentary that occasionally includes editorialized language, such as in “Will April 2 Trump All Fools’ Day?”, which discusses U.S. tariffs. The article mostly cites itself, along with USA Today and Medium.

Additionally, some reports may feature unverified or controversial claims. For instance, a recent article titled “‘This is so crazy’: Musk sounds alarm on non-citizen social security surge” presents assertions from Elon Musk and Antonio Gracias about alleged voter registration and undocumented immigration impacts without citing government sources or independent verification. The article repeats claims of fraud and political intent without balancing analysis or clarification from official agencies.

The site aggressively monetizes with pop-up ads and autoplay videos. Though it focuses on financial and economic coverage, it occasionally features politically charged controversial stories outside its core focus.

Failed Fact Checks

COVAXIN vaccine approved for children aged 2-18. Another milestone in handling COVID-19. Well done scientists. – Misleading

Overall, we rate Moneycontrol as Right-Center Biased due to its pro-business tone, favorable alignment with the Modi government through ownership and state advertising ties, and occasional politically charged content outside its core financial focus. We rate it Mixed for factual reporting due to poor sourcing practices in select articles and a failed fact check. (M. Huitsing 03/31/2025)

Source: https://www.moneycontrol.com/

Last Updated on March 31, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check