Can You Trust De Standaard? Bias Rating, Factual Accuracy, and Reliability
De Standaard Overview and Political Bias
De Standaard is often described as a center-right or social-liberal quality daily. Critics from the right frequently allege a shift toward progressive-left viewpoints, while some left-leaning observers suggest it maintains a pro-establishment and pro-EU bias. It is generally recognized for its focus on intellectual discourse and nuanced reporting.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Right |
| Estimated number of readers | 350,000 |
| Israel support | Neutral / Balanced |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Low |
| Target Audience | Elite / Intellectual / Educated Middle-class |
De Standaard History
Founded in 1918, De Standaard was originally a flagship for the Flemish Movement and Catholic values. Following a bankruptcy in 1976, it was acquired by the Vlaamse Uitgeversmaatschappij (now Mediahuis). Over time, it abandoned its explicit religious affiliation to become a pluralistic, high-quality broadsheet serving the Flemish public.
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Who owns De Standaard?
The newspaper is owned by Mediahuis, a major international media group. Mediahuis is a private company controlled by the Leysen and Baert families through various holding companies. Funding is derived from a combination of digital and print subscriptions, advertising revenue, and the broader financial resources of its parent conglomerate.