What Is Lenta.ru's Bias? Political Leaning, Credibility, and Trust Score
Lenta.ru Overview and Political Bias
Once known for independence, Lenta.ru is now widely described by media analysts as a pro-Kremlin outlet. Critics argue it promotes government narratives, particularly regarding foreign policy and the conflict in Ukraine. Observers note that its editorial tone shifted significantly following the 2014 leadership change, aligning with state interests.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Right |
| Estimated number of readers | 85,000,000 |
| Israel support | State-aligned (reflecting Russian foreign policy's critical but diplomatic stance) |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | High |
| Target Audience | Mass market |
Lenta.ru History
Founded in 1999, Lenta.ru grew into one of Russia's most influential news portals. Its history is marked by the 2014 dismissal of editor Galina Timchenko, which led many staff members to resign in protest. This event is often cited as a turning point in Russian digital media freedom.
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Who owns Lenta.ru?
Lenta.ru is part of the Rambler&Co media group. Since 2020, the group has been entirely owned by Sberbank, Russia's largest state-controlled bank. This ownership structure links the outlet's funding and strategic direction directly to Russian state-backed corporate interests and government oversight.