Is Al-Sharq Reliable? Full Review of Bias, Ownership, and Credibility
Al-Sharq Overview and Political Bias
Al-Sharq is often characterized by observers as reflecting Saudi Arabia's regional perspectives and foreign policy goals. While praised for its professional production and Bloomberg partnership, critics argue it avoids sensitive domestic Saudi issues. Some analysts suggest it serves as a sophisticated media platform for Saudi soft power in the Middle East.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center |
| Estimated number of readers | 15,000,000 |
| Israel support | Pro-Palestine/Two-State solution focus, with pragmatic coverage of regional normalization |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Low to Medium |
| Target Audience | Elite / Professional / Decision-makers |
Al-Sharq History
Launched in November 2020, Asharq News is a multi-platform media organization headquartered in Riyadh. It was established through a significant collaboration between the Saudi Research and Media Group and Bloomberg Media. It aims to compete with regional giants like Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya by focusing on business-led international news.
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Who owns Al-Sharq?
The outlet is owned by the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), a major publishing company with close ties to the Saudi government. While SRMG is publicly traded, it is widely considered an instrument of Saudi state influence. Financial backing is extensive, leveraging Bloomberg’s content for its business segment.