Is The Standard Neutral? Political Bias Rating and Credibility Report
The Standard Overview and Political Bias
The Standard is often perceived as maintaining a center-right, pro-business editorial stance. Critics frequently highlight its historical ties to the Conservative Party, particularly during George Osborne's editorship. Some observers express concerns regarding potential editorial influence stemming from its ownership by Evgeny Lebedev and investments from Saudi-linked entities.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Left |
| Estimated number of readers | 12,000,000 |
| Israel support | Moderate Israel supporter |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Mass market / London professionals |
The Standard History
Founded in 1827 as a morning paper, it became the London Evening Standard in 1859. After several ownership changes and a merger with The Evening News in 1980, it became a free daily in 2009. In 2024, it transitioned to a weekly print format while focusing on digital growth.
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Who owns The Standard?
The publication is majority-owned by Evgeny Lebedev through Lebedev Holdings. In 2017, Saudi investor Sultan Muhammad Abuljadayel acquired a 30% stake. Funding is primarily derived from advertising revenue, a model adopted when the paper shifted from a paid subscription to a free distribution system to maintain high circulation.