Is The Citizen Left or Right? Political Bias, Facts, and Media Trust Score
The Citizen Overview and Political Bias
Critics describe The Citizen as a mass-market publication that often leans toward sensationalist reporting on crime and social issues. Observers suggest it maintains a centrist to right-leaning editorial stance, frequently critiquing government inefficiency. While aiming for objectivity, some argue its tabloid format prioritizes populist narratives over deep investigative analysis.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center |
| Estimated number of readers | 5,000,000 |
| Israel support | Mixed / Mainstream South African |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Mass market |
The Citizen History
Founded in 1976 by Louis Luyt, The Citizen gained notoriety during the 'Information Scandal' for being covertly funded by the apartheid government to provide a pro-state English voice. After the scandal broke, ownership changed, and it evolved into a mainstream commercial daily serving a broader, post-apartheid South African readership.
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Who owns The Citizen?
The Citizen is owned by Caxton & CTP Publishers and Printers Limited, one of South Africa’s largest media groups. Its operations are funded through a combination of print circulation, digital subscriptions, and advertising revenue. It operates as a commercial entity under Caxton's extensive portfolio of regional and national publications.