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 ZDF as Least Biased based on minimal editorializing. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: Germany
Press Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: TV Station
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Founded in 1961, The ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) is the second public German television broadcaster based in Mainz, Germany. ZDF broadcasts a broad range of programs, from news and politics to arts and science and more.

Read our profile on Germany’s media and government

Funded by / Ownership

In Germany, public service broadcasting is mainly financed by broadcasting fees payable by private households, businesses, and public institutions. ZDF is run as an independent non-profit corporation. ZDF broadcasts various programs, from news and politics to arts and science. Revenue is also derived from a shop that sells DVDs, CDs, and other merchandise.

Analysis / Bias

ZDF publishes USA political news with a left-leaning bias such as this, “President Donald Trump,” which draws a portrait of the “man who polarizes the world like no other.” Content primarily covers entertainment news; however, they have a favorable opinion of former leader Angela Merkel when covering national politics. In general, the news is reported factually and with minimal bias.

Failed Fact Checks

• None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate ZDF as Least Biased based on minimal editorializing. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record. (M. Huitsing 9/6/2017) Updated (12/31/2022)

Source: https://www.zdf.de/