Who Owns Toronto Star? Ownership, Political Bias, and Editorial Standards
Toronto Star Overview and Political Bias
The Toronto Star is frequently characterized as Canada’s leading progressive daily, guided by the Atkinson Principles emphasizing social justice. Critics often allege a partisan bias toward the Liberal Party. While supporters laud its focus on equity, detractors argue its editorial stance occasionally prioritizes social activism over strictly neutral reporting.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Left |
| Estimated number of readers | 1,500,000 |
| Israel support | Balanced but often perceived as emphasizing humanitarian perspectives and international law |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Mass market / Progressive |
Toronto Star History
Established in 1892 as the Evening Star, the publication flourished under Joseph Atkinson’s leadership starting in 1899. Atkinson’s commitment to social reform shaped the paper's identity. For decades, it was Canada's highest-circulation newspaper, evolving from a local Toronto broadsheet into a major national media influence and digital platform.
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Who owns Toronto Star?
For over 60 years, Torstar Corporation was controlled by a voting trust of five families. In 2020, the company was privatized after being acquired by NordStar Capital for approximately $60 million. It currently relies on a mix of advertising revenue, digital subscriptions, and federal journalism tax credits.