LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward liberal 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 information reporting that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate Zona Media or MediaZone as Left Biased based on editorial positions that favor a progressive perspective. We also rate them as mostly factual in reporting rather than High due to a lack of hyperlinked sourcing.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Country: Russia
MBFC Country Freedom Rating: TOTAL OPPRESSION
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Zona Media, also known as “Медиазона or MediaZona” is a Russian news website registered on September 4, 2014, according to Roskomnadzor. The website is focused on Anti Putinist opposition that was founded by Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, who are also co-founders of the protest group and band Pussy Riot.
On 6 March 2022, as a result of Mediazona’s coverage of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Roskomnadzor blocked Mediazona in Russia and demanded that the website shut itself down.
Read our profile on Russian Media and Government.
Funded by / Ownership
Ownership and funding details are not explicitly stated on the website. However, Pyotr Verzilov, the husband of Pussy Riot member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova is the owner. He was added to Russia’s wanted list in 2021.
Analysis / Bias
MediaZona covers a range of topics primarily focused on Russia, including the war in Ukraine and domestic Russian affairs. The topics covered seem to indicate a focus on national issues with a critical stance toward President Vladimir Putin.
Some examples of articles critical of Putin are as follows:
- “Kids tell me Putin started a war.” Perm teacher speaks out after principal and 10 educators resign over visits from “special military operation” veterans
- The article highlights the resignation of educators in Perm, Russia, due to visits from veterans involved in a “special military operation,” suggesting discontent with Putin’s military actions.
- “Putin is a fascist.” How a blue‑haired woman from Tolyatti was arrested for her Instagram posts and bank notes with anti‑war slogans
- This article directly criticizes Putin by discussing the arrest of a woman for her anti-Putin and anti-war Instagram posts.
Editorially, most stories favor the left, such as this: A night in police custody for a kiss. Two tourists’ Sochi stroll ends with charges of “promoting non‑traditional relationships” indicating a preference for progressive social views. The website also does not provide extensive sourcing for its articles, which makes it difficult to determine the factual accuracy of claims.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Zona Media or MediaZone as Left Biased based on editorial positions that favor a progressive perspective. We also rate them as mostly factual in reporting rather than High due to a lack of hyperlinked sourcing. (D. Van Zandt 09/27/2023)
Source: Zona.Media
Last Updated on September 27, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
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