RIGHT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using an appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate Nius.de as Right Biased due to its consistent promotion of conservative and populist viewpoints. Its factual reporting is rated as Mixed because of its reliance on opinion-driven content, sensationalist framing, and poor sourcing practices.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT (6.8)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (5.0)
Country: Germany
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Nius.de is a German online news platform founded in July 2023 by entrepreneur Frank Gotthardt, known for founding CompuGroup Medical and owning the Kölner Haie ice hockey team. After his controversial dismissal, Gotthardt brought on Julian Reichelt, former editor-in-chief of Bild. The platform has faced criticism for promoting right-wing populist views while positioning itself as a voice for the majority, focusing on conservative perspectives through news, opinion pieces, and video formats.
Read our profile on Germany’s media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Nius.de is operated by VIUS SE & Co. KGaA, with Julian Reichelt as managing director. The platform is funded by billionaire entrepreneur Frank Gotthardt, known for his conservative views and significant investments in media projects. Gotthardt’s funding has enabled Nius.de to expand, including acquiring a 50% stake in the Austrian right-leaning news portal Exxpress. Additionally, Nius.de generates revenue through advertising.
Analysis / Bias
Nius.de is a relatively new German media outlet led by Julian Reichelt, focusing on opinion pieces and commentary with a far-right-leaning populist and sensationalist perspective.
It frequently targets perceived “elites,” the SPD, Greens, and Free Democratic Party (FDP),” and promotes narratives that resonate with a conservative audience. These narratives often address topics such as immigration, national identity, and critiques of progressive policies.
Nius.de’s content strategy includes video channels under its “Shows” section, such as “Achtung, Reichelt!, Schuler! Fragen, was ist, KISSLER KOMPAKT, Gio unzensiert, and RealTalk – mit Julius Böhm.” These programs emphasize provocative and emotionally loaded themes, aiming to engage their audience through sensationalist-style content.
The platform employs a tabloid-style approach, characterized by emotionally loaded headlines and focusing on polarizing issues. Its agenda advances a far-right populist worldview by promoting narratives that criticize progressive policies, frame immigration as exploitative, and reinforce conservative cultural values. For example, the article “Steuer-Milliarden für das Geschäft mit der Migration: Wie die Asylindustrie abkassiert” frames migration policies as exploitative and fosters distrust in government and NGOs. Similarly, the article “Krefelder Fitnessstudio lässt Mann im Rock im Frauenbereich trainieren” (Krefeld gym lets man in skirt train in women’s area) sensationalizes debates around gender identity with provocative framing.
Nius often uses strong, emotionally loaded language to provoke outrage. Headlines such as “Größenwahnsinnige Inszenierung: Robert Habeck lässt sich auf Münchner Siegestor projizieren” use sensational language to critique a Green Party figure, implying arrogance or self-importance. This headline exemplifies the platform’s tendency to mock and undermine progressive politicians by presenting their actions as excessive or out of touch. Additionally, the article “Law & Order gewählt, Straßenkrieg bekommen: Das Versagen des Kai Wegner“ uses dramatic phrasing to critique a politician’s leadership, heightening emotional appeal.
Progressive policies and institutions are often framed negatively, as seen in “Linke Indoktrination im Klassenzimmer! Lehrerinfluencer machen Stimmung gegen “rechts “ discusses alleged left-wing indoctrination in German classrooms, focusing on teachers who use their influence to promote anti-right-wing views. It claims that these “teacher-influencers” are shaping students’ opinions against conservative ideologies. The article presents anecdotal evidence and personal testimonies without providing comprehensive data or credible sources to support its claims. Critics, including Taz.de, argue that this approach promotes polarization in the German media landscape. Generally, Nius.de mixes ideological commentary with entertainment, particularly in its videos, to attract a right-wing populist audience. Its coverage simplifies complex issues, presenting one-sided narratives emphasizing cultural and political divides.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Nius.de as Right Biased due to its consistent promotion of conservative and populist viewpoints. Its factual reporting is rated as Mixed because of its reliance on opinion-driven content, sensationalist framing, and poor sourcing practices. (M. Huitsing 01/06/2025)
Source: https://www.nius.de/
Last Updated on January 6, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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