LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal 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 liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) Left-Center Biased based on editorial positions that slightly favor the left. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: Germany
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Newspaper
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Established in 1945 in Munich, Germany, Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ), which translates as “South German Newspaper,” is one of the most widely read German-language newspapers, and Sueddeutsche.de is the newspaper’s website.
Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) covers a wide range of news from politics, sports, and business to tech and science. It is divided into different sections, some of which are: Politics, Culture, Economy, and Sports. Süddeutsche Zeitung is known for its sizeable physical paper format, long and detailed articles, and investigative journalism (known for the Panama Papers, among other stories).
One of its notable features is the “Das Streiflicht” (“The Spotlight”), a daily front-page column that gives you a refreshing view of the most important news today. According to The editorial statute, although they do not specify the political line of the newspaper in detail, the Süddeutsche Zeitung states that it strives for “free, democratic forms of society based on liberal and social principles.”
Read our profile on Germany’s media and government
Funded by / Ownership
Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) is owned by Südwestdeutsche Medien Holding SWMH. Südwestdeutsche Medien Holding’s main shareholders are Medien Union and the Württemberg publishers group. The Friedmann family of publishers holds the remaining shares. Revenue is derived through advertising and subscription fees.
Analysis / Bias
The editorial stance of Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) is liberal and center-left. Articles and headlines feature moderately loaded wording such as “Why aren’t there any boycotts against Amazon or Google?” and “When right-wing populists have a say.” A quote from the article reads, “many fear the influence of the Sweden Democrats (Right Wing Nationalist) – especially when it comes to decisions on migration and climate protection.”
Articles are written by reporters and often feature investigations and first-person accounts. For example, in 2022, according to the investigation led by Süddeutsche Zeitung, some of Credit Suisse’s clients include corrupt politicians and convicted criminals. SZ published Suisse Secrets, investigations such as “Why I Did It” and “That’s the leak” sourced from The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
Editorially, there is a reasonable balance between right and left; however, based on a few articles, our review indicates SZ favors the left with features such as “Everything about the climate crisis.” A quote from the article reads, “How man is destroying the earth – and how we can still save it.” Generally, the news is reported factually and with a left-leaning editorial bias.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) Left-Center Biased based on editorial positions that slightly favor the left. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record. (M. Huitsing 12/31/2022) Updated (10/16/2023)
Source: sueddeutsche.de
Last Updated on October 16, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources