How Biased Is TASS? Political Leaning and Credibility Breakdown
TASS Overview and Political Bias
TASS is frequently described by Western analysts as a state-controlled outlet that propagates Kremlin viewpoints. Critics argue that its reporting lacks editorial independence, especially regarding the war in Ukraine. It is often cited as using a pro-government lens, framing international events in alignment with Russian state interests and foreign policy.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Right |
| Estimated number of readers | 80,000,000 |
| Israel support | Neutral/Mixed (aligns with Russian state diplomacy) |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | High |
| Target Audience | Mass market and Partisan (State-aligned) |
TASS History
Founded in 1904 as the St. Petersburg Telegraph Agency, TASS became the Soviet Union's central information agency in 1925. After the Soviet collapse, it was renamed ITAR-TASS but returned to its historic TASS acronym in 2014. It has served as Russia’s primary state news agency for over a century.
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Who owns TASS?
TASS is a state-owned enterprise, entirely funded by the Russian federal government. It is managed under the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media. As a state-controlled entity, its editorial direction and operational budget are determined by the Kremlin, reflecting its role as an official state organ.