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 Strana as right-center biased based on opposition to Western policies and a moderate pro-Russian perspective. We also rate them as Mixed for factual reporting due to inconsistent sourcing practices, reliance on self-referential hyperlinks, and the absence of direct links to external sources for verification. Additionally, its reporting sometimes includes speculative or opinion-driven content, which can impact the reliability of its factual claims.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (4.8)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (4.9)
Country: Ukraine
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MODERATE FREEDOM
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Strana News is a 2016-founded Ukrainian online news site that covers Ukrainian politics, society, and international relations. It focuses on in-depth reporting and investigative journalism and attracts a significant readership in Ukraine and among Russian-speaking audiences.
Strana News is based in Kyiv but has faced significant legal and political challenges. Founder and editor-in-chief Igor Guzhva sought political asylum in Austria in 2018, citing legal pressures and threats in Ukraine. The publication operates under Lasmak LLC, a company registered in Kyiv, and has faced sanctions from the Ukrainian government since August 2021, further extended in 2024. Due to these restrictions, the outlet relies on alternative domains and platforms to maintain its presence. Other domains include strana.ua and strana.best.
Read our profile on Ukrainian media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Strana News is owned by Igor Guzhva, who remains its editor-in-chief while residing in Austria. The publication is officially registered under Lasmak LLC, based in Kyiv, Ukraine. It sustains itself through reader subscriptions, donations, and advertising. The Ukrainian government has cited national security concerns in its sanctions against Guzhva, his wife Hanna Solntseva, and Lasmak LLC.
Analysis / Bias
Strana News frequently provides critical coverage of Ukrainian government policies and leadership, often emphasizing skepticism toward President Volodymyr Zelensky. For example, in the article titled “The plan didn’t work. What consequences will the results of Zelensky’s visit to the US have?” Strana questions the effectiveness of Zelensky’s diplomatic trip, portraying it as a failure. The article reflects a broader trend in Strana’s reporting, which consistently critiques Zelensky’s policies and political maneuvers, often framing them as ineffective or misguided. This editorial approach contributes to its reputation as a publication that frequently challenges Ukraine’s Western-oriented government. Critics have noted that Strana’s tone and story choices sometimes align with pro-Russian narratives.
Strana employs a mix of investigative reporting, official statements, and expert analysis, often citing government sources, as well as experts. The outlet frequently hyperlinks to its own articles for context but rarely provides direct links to external sources, even when referencing outlets like The Hill. For instance, this article mentions information “according to The Hill” without linking to the specific article.
Similarly, in the article titled “Trump’s Broom: Why Ukrainian Authorities Are Worried About Signals from the Team of the Future US President,” the outlet explores potential challenges for Zelensky under Trump’s presidency. The author is skeptical of Ukraine’s pro-Western stance and emphasizes internal political vulnerabilities. The author cites Axios without providing direct hyperlinks, a recurring issue in Strana’s sourcing practices that undermines transparency and verifiability. This editorial approach reinforces the outlet’s tendency to frame narratives critical of Ukraine’s alignment with Western policies.
This practice, combined with its critical stance on the Ukrainian government, warrants examination of the neutrality and transparency of its sourcing, particularly on politically sensitive topics.
In general, Strana demonstrates an anti-Western and oppositional bias due to its consistent criticism of Ukraine’s current leadership and skepticism toward Western-aligned policies. The outlet frequently frames stories in ways that challenge the Zelensky administration and Ukraine’s pro-European trajectory, often aligning with narratives sympathetic to Russian interests.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Strana as right-center biased based on opposition to Western policies and a moderate pro-Russian perspective. We also rate them as Mixed for factual reporting due to inconsistent sourcing practices, reliance on self-referential hyperlinks, and the absence of direct links to external sources for verification. Additionally, its reporting sometimes includes speculative or opinion-driven content, which can impact the reliability of its factual claims. (M. Huitsing 11/19/2024)
Source: https://strana.news/
Last Updated on November 19, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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