LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.
- Overall, we rate Westdeutsche Zeitung as Least Biased due to its consistent reliance on wire services, factual reporting, and neutral tone. We also rate its reporting as factually High based on the absence of failed fact checks and its use of credible sources.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED (-0.6)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.0)
Country: Germany
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Newspaper
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Westdeutsche Zeitung (WZ) is a regional German daily newspaper based in Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia. Founded in 1887, it serves the Rhineland region with print and digital editions, covering local, regional, national, and international news. Its digital platform features content from multiple regions, including Düsseldorf, Krefeld, Wuppertal, and surrounding cities. WZ maintains a traditional newspaper structure and continues to provide both print and ePaper editions. Further, WZ collaborates with regional partner publications, including Solinger Tageblatt and Remscheider General-Anzeiger, through a joint advertising and distribution network known as Westdeutsche Zeitung Plus.
Read our profile on Germany’s media and government
Funded by / Ownership
Westdeutsche Zeitung is published by Westdeutsche Zeitung GmbH & Co. KG. The company operates as part of the Medienhaus Aachen and derives its revenue from a combination of print subscriptions, digital ePaper offerings, advertising partnerships, and regional business sponsorships. WZ content is freely accessible online, although premium features such as the ePaper may require registration or a subscription.
Analysis / Bias
WZ generally adheres to a neutral tone in its reporting. In political coverage, the outlet presents mainstream parties without overt favoritism. For instance, in the article “SPD-Abstimmung über Koalitionsvertrag hat begonnen,” WZ factually reports on the SPD’s internal vote over a coalition agreement. The article, sourced from DPA, presents no analysis or editorial commentary, instead focusing strictly on procedural developments.
In international coverage, such as “Papst spendet trotz Krankheit Segen’ Urbi et Orbi’,” the reporting remains neutral and descriptive, citing the Pope’s traditional Easter message without commentary on religious or political implications. WZ’s reliance on reputable wire services, such as Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA), ensures consistent sourcing, and there is no indication of political leaning in its framing or story selection.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Westdeutsche Zeitung as Least Biased due to its consistent reliance on wire services, factual reporting, and neutral tone. We also rate its reporting as factually High based on the absence of failed fact checks and its use of credible sources. (M. Huitsing 04/21/2025)
Source: https://www.wz.de/
Last Updated on April 21, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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