Is Mail & Guardian Trustworthy? Media Bias, Fact-Checking, and Reliability Review
Mail & Guardian Overview and Political Bias
Observers often describe the Mail & Guardian as leaning left-liberal, emphasizing investigative journalism and social justice. Critics sometimes argue its coverage is overly skeptical of the ruling ANC government, while supporters praise its role in exposing corruption and advocating for human rights and transparency within the South African political landscape.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Left |
| Estimated number of readers | 2,500,000 |
| Israel support | Pro-Palestine / Critical of Israel |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Elite / Intellectual / Activist |
Mail & Guardian History
Established in 1985 as The Weekly Mail, the publication served as a vital anti-apartheid voice following the closure of the Rand Daily Mail. It was renamed the Mail & Guardian in 1995 after the UK-based Guardian acquired a stake, solidifying its reputation for rigorous investigative reporting and political analysis.
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Who owns Mail & Guardian?
The publication is primarily owned by the Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF), a New York-based non-profit. Historically, it was backed by The Guardian (UK). Current funding is derived from a mix of advertising, digital subscriptions, and philanthropic grants aimed at supporting independent, high-impact journalism in developing democracies.