Is Diena a Reliable News Source? Bias, Accuracy, and Transparency
Diena Overview and Political Bias
Observers claim Diena shifted from a liberal, investigative flagship to a publication influenced by Latvian political-business interests following its 2009 sale. Critics allege editorial interference by 'oligarchs,' while proponents argue it remains a significant conservative voice. Its coverage is often seen as reflecting the views of its opaque ownership.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center |
| Estimated number of readers | 150,000 |
| Israel support | Pro-Israel |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Mass market |
Diena History
Established in 1990 during Latvia's independence movement, Diena was initially state-run before privatization by the Swedish Bonnier Group. It dominated the 1990s as the leading pro-reform daily. Following a controversial 2009 ownership change, much of its original staff departed to form Ir, a rival investigative publication.
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Who owns Diena?
Diena is currently owned by SIA Dienas Mediji. Since the 2009 sale by Bonnier, ownership has been characterized by opacity, involving various local businessmen. It has been closely associated with Viesturs Koziols, though persistent allegations suggest underlying control by influential Latvian political figures often described as 'oligarchs.'