What Is the Political Bias of Focus Online? Left, Right, or Center Explained
Focus Online Overview and Political Bias
Focus Online is frequently characterized as maintaining a center-right, economically liberal editorial stance. Critics often point to its use of sensationalist headlines and populist framing, particularly regarding migration and climate policy. It is sometimes described as prioritizing reach and clickbait over depth, while serving as a mainstream outlet for conservative viewpoints.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Right |
| Estimated number of readers | 25,000,000 |
| Israel support | Generally pro-Israel |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | High |
| Target Audience | Mass market |
Focus Online History
Launched in 1996 by Hubert Burda Media, Focus Online served as the digital counterpart to Focus magazine, which was founded in 1993. It was designed to compete with Der Spiegel by offering a faster, more visual news format. It has since grown into one of Germany's most-visited news portals.
World News Map
Who owns Focus Online?
Focus Online is owned by BurdaForward GmbH, a subsidiary of the media conglomerate Hubert Burda Media. The company is controlled by the Burda family. Revenue is primarily generated through digital advertising, programmatic marketing, and affiliate partnerships, maintaining a largely free-to-access model for its vast digital readership.