Does Aftonbladet Spread Misinformation? Bias Rating and Fact-Check Review
Aftonbladet Overview and Political Bias
Critics often characterize Aftonbladet as maintaining a Social Democratic bias, particularly within its editorial section. The publication has faced accusations of sensationalism and populism due to its tabloid format. Some observers point to controversial past reporting on international conflicts as evidence of a perceived anti-Israel sentiment or lack of objectivity.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Left |
| Estimated number of readers | 3,500,000 |
| Israel support | Historically critical of Israeli government policies; editorial line is often described as pro-Palestinian |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Mass market / Partisan |
Aftonbladet History
Established in 1830 by Lars Johan Hierta, Aftonbladet began as a pioneer for press freedom in Sweden. It evolved from a broadsheet into a leading tabloid by the mid-20th century. After being acquired by the Swedish Trade Union Confederation in 1956, it solidified its position as a major national voice.
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Who owns Aftonbladet?
Aftonbladet is primarily owned by the Norwegian media conglomerate Schibsted, which holds a 91% stake. The remaining 9% is owned by the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO), which notably maintains control over the political direction of the newspaper's editorial and opinion sections.