RIGHT BIAS
These media sources are moderate 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 appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports and omit reporting of information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate The Star Right Biased based on editorial positions that favor the right. We also rate them Mixed factually due to poor sourcing and having connections to the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a right-wing political party.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: Malaysia
Press Freedom Rank: MODERATE FREEDOM
Media Type: Newspaper
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Founded in 1971, The Star is an English-language newspaper headquartered in Malaysia. The online version was launched in 1995. The Star provides local and international news on topics such as “politics, government, crime, natural disasters, social issues, and sporting events.” The star also has a classified section. The Chairman of the Board of the parent company Star Media Group is Dato’ Fu, and the Editor-in-Chief and Chief Content Officer is Esther Ng.
Read our profile on Malaysia’s government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
The Star is owned by Star Media Group, controlled by the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a right-wing party representing the Malaysian Chinese contingency. Revenue is derived from subscriptions and advertisements.
Analysis / Bias
According to Reporters without Borders, Malaysia ranks 113/180 on the Press Freedom Index due to the media environment in Malaysia being threatened by increasing censorship.
In 2017, The Star published on its front page an article with the headline titled “Malaysian Terrorist Leader” right under a photograph showing Muslims praying. This caused an investigation and resulted in The Star editors getting suspended.
In review, The Star uses loaded language in their headlines and articles, such as “Dr. M and Muhyiddin seen chatting in Parliament on Monday (July 13),” and tends to poorly source their articles. However, The Star reports international news through credible news agencies such as Reuters with low bias and maintains factual reporting such as “Trump takes swipes at Fauci, CDC as coronavirus cases rise.”
Editorially, they favor the right and have a pro-Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) tone, such as this “MCA on ‘high ground’ amid national political chaos.” Generally, international news is reported factually, while there is a right-leaning bias editorially.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate The Star Right Biased based on editorial positions that favor the right. We also rate them Mixed factually due to poor sourcing and having connections to the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a right-wing political party. (M. Huitsing 7/13/2020) Updated (06/29/2022)
Source: https://www.thestar.com
Last Updated on July 1, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources