Ownership & classification
Founded: 1988
Ownership
Der Standard was founded on 19 October 1988 in Vienna by journalist and publisher Oscar Bronner (who also created the magazines trend and profil). It is published by Standard Medien AG, controlled by the Bronner family: after buying back the 49% held by Germany's Sueddeutscher Verlag in 2008, ownership rested with the Bronner Family Private Foundation and Oscar Bronner, with family members taking shares directly from 2021. Bronner's son Alexander Mitteraecker has chaired the board since 2017.
Funding
The outlet is financed commercially through advertising, print sales and a digital subscription/membership model (derStandard.at), independent of state or party subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
Der Standard is a privately owned, family-controlled liberal quality daily with a center-left editorial stance and no party or state ownership. Because it is independently and commercially owned with editorial autonomy, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 944
81/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
1237
Articles
1237
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage

Car theft series settled with €500,000 in damages
The Austrian Federal Criminal Police Office and the Burgenland State Criminal Police have resolved a cross-border car theft series after months of investigations. The case involved multiple vehicles stolen across different regions and resulted in damages amounting to €500,000. Authorities have identified those responsible, though specific details regarding the perpetrators or the methods used in the thefts were not provided in the available text. This resolution marks a significant step in addressing organized vehicle crime within Austria and potentially across borders.
Cuba contradicts Trump: No formal negotiations with the US
Der Artikel berichtet über eine Aussage von Kuba, die auf die Erklärung Donald Trumps hinsichtlich der US-Regierung reagiert, wonach sie 'tief in Verhandlungen' mit Havanna sei. Kuba lehnt den Begriff 'formelle Verhandlungen' ab und betont, dass keine offiziellen Gespräche stattgefunden haben. Die Nachricht stammt aus dem österreichischen Medium 'Der Standard', das die Position Kubas zitiert.
Report: Number of German conscientious objectors rises sharply
The article reports that between January and August 2026, 12,102 applications were submitted by individuals refusing military service in Germany, marking a sharp increase compared to 3,879 applications received throughout the entire year of 2025. The data highlights a significant rise in the number of people opting out of compulsory military service during this period.
Ukraine attacked Moscow with 650 drones, according to Russia
Russian attacks targeted industrial and port infrastructure in Odessa on Monday, according to authorities. Another attack on Kharkiv resulted in three civilian deaths. The report highlights ongoing military activity in eastern Ukraine, though specific details about drone involvement remain unconfirmed.
Trump approves US military execution of gunman
The article reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump approved the execution of a mass shooter by the U.S. military. The perpetrator had killed 13 people in 2009 at a military base. The article mentions that the individual is to be executed via a firing squad. This decision has raised questions regarding the legal and ethical implications of such an action, particularly concerning the use of capital punishment within the military.
The new system has been reformed, but what do the new possibilities mean for the pension?
The Austrian newspaper Der Standard reports on upcoming changes to occupational pension schemes starting in 2028. These reforms are expected to lead to lower costs but also riskier investment strategies. The article highlights that these changes could have significant financial implications for retirees. It discusses how the new regulations might affect the way pensions are managed and funded, potentially altering the security and predictability of future retirement incomes.
Mareike Fallwickl: "A woman's life is very fulfilling even without men"
The Austrian author Mareike Fallwickl has released her new novel titled 'Haltet euch fest,' which explores themes of queer multigenerational cohabitation and parenthood. The book centers around a group of individuals living together and their pursuit of parenthood, raising questions about whether such arrangements can lead to a more fulfilling and just society. The narrative delves into personal relationships and societal structures, highlighting diverse family dynamics beyond traditional norms.
"Bail for a year", "Foreign America", "Report": TV tips for Tuesday
The article lists several television program recommendations for Tuesday, including a reportage on parents opposing social media, a documentary titled 'Willkommen Österreich,' and another on forced labor in East Germany prisons. These segments appear to focus on societal issues, cultural topics, and historical injustices. The headline includes references to 'Bürgschaft für ein Jahr' and 'Fremdes Amerika,' which suggest thematic elements related to personal responsibility, foreign influence, and possibly critical perspectives on American culture. However, the content described does not indicate any specific political controversy or partisan framing.

"Not in a good mood" Ludwig refuses Zeiler
Wiener Bürgermeister Michael Ludwig kommentiert die Entscheidung von Andreas Babler, aus der SPÖ auszusteigen, und erklärt, wie die Partei ihre neue Struktur gestaltet. Nach einem langen Krisengipfel und dem Schrittweise-Rückzug Bablers betont Ludwig, dass die SPÖ innerhalb der Partei einen klaren Wunsch nach Veränderung hatte. Er bestätigt, dass eine Lösung gefunden wurde, bei der Bablers Wechsel erst im nächsten Jahr stattfindet, um die Genesung von Finanzminister Markus Marterbauer zu respektieren. Ludwig weist zudem darauf hin, dass Bablers Abgang keine Überraschung für die Koalitionspartner sein wird. Zudem erwähnt er, dass die Ambitionen von Medienmanager Gerhard Zeiler nicht unterstützt werden, da keine starke Stimmung dafür bestehe.

After the chaos summit: now SPÖ-Ludwig speaks
The headline 'Nach Chaos-Gipfel: Jetzt spricht SPÖ-Ludwig' suggests that there was a chaotic meeting (Gipfel) which has led to SPÖ leader Ludwig speaking out. The article likely discusses the aftermath of this event, focusing on the political implications and responses from the SPÖ party. Given the mention of a 'Chaos-Gipfel,' the situation appears to be politically charged, indicating potential controversy or disagreement during the meeting. The article may explore the reasons behind the chaos, the stance taken by SPÖ-Ludwig, and any broader political ramifications.
How far from success was the Nazi nuclear project really?
A new study has challenged previous assumptions about the extent of Nazi Germany's success in developing an atomic bomb. In early 1945, physicists led by Werner Heisenberg were working on achieving a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. The research suggests that earlier estimates overestimated the progress made by the Nazi atomic project, indicating that it was significantly less advanced than previously believed.
"But ChatGPT said: The annoying belief in the omniscience of AI
The article discusses the growing reliance on AI chatbots like ChatGPT and highlights ongoing fundamental issues associated with this technology. It notes that while chatbots have become a common part of daily life for many people, they continue to pose significant challenges. These problems include persistent concerns about the overconfidence in AI's knowledge and the negative consequences for various professions.
Putin still uses sugar to lure new soldiers he could soon unleash the whip
The article discusses concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin might soon order a partial mobilization of troops in Ukraine, despite his previous reluctance. This potential move comes amid reports that Russia's military is struggling to achieve its objectives in the conflict. The headline suggests that Putin has been using incentives ('Zuckerbrot') to recruit new soldiers but may now resort to more coercive measures ('Peitsche'). The piece highlights the growing pressure on Russia's military effectiveness and the possible shift in tactics by the Kremlin.

















