AustriaOwnership & 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
- Lean Progressivebased on 1032
81/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
1413
Articles
1373
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
FM4 Frequency: Significantly fewer crimes than in previous years
The FM4 Frequency Festival in St. Pölten concluded with a report of significantly fewer crimes compared to previous years. Police recorded four cases of sexual harassment, two instances of resistance against state authority, a single-digit number of assaults, and few property offenses during the event. The police chief noted that while some people might file reports after returning home, the expected number of crimes was 'low double digits,' much lower than past figures where there were often over 300 incidents. The absence of 'Zeltschlitzerbanden' (tent thieves) was highlighted as a positive change. The Red Cross reported 1,296 medical interventions, with 68 requiring hospital transport, primarily due to minor injuries and circulation issues. They praised the calm atmosphere and responsible behavior of attendees. An incident involving an exploded car battery occurred late into the night but did not escalate further.
The perpetrator of the deadly sword attack on a school in Sweden is in custody
Ein 18-jähriger Mann hat am Freitag in der schwedischen Kleinstadt Fagersta einen Schwertangriff auf eine Schule durchgeführt, wobei ein 17-jähriges Mädchen tödlich verletzt und drei weitere Jugendliche, zwei davon schwer, verletzt wurden. Der Täter wurde nach der Tat festgenommen und sitzt in Untersuchungshaft. Es gibt bislang keine klare Antwort auf sein Motiv. Die Polizei bestätigte, dass der Täter die Schule betreten konnte, da er dort zur Schule ging. Eine Aufnahme aus TikTok, die ein Schwert zeigt, wurde nicht verifiziert. Der schwedische Premierminister Ulf Kristersson sowie andere politische Figuren haben den Vorfall bedauert und gedenken der Opfer.
The memory of the world champion
The article features an interview with Luise Maria Sommer, a memory world champion known as 'Memo-Königin' (Memory Queen), discussing her techniques for memorization and her career as a teacher and memory competitor. She describes using visual imagery to convert abstract information into memorable images, a method rooted in ancient Greek practices. Sommer recounts her journey from being called 'the forgetful Luise' to becoming a memory expert after meeting Professor Gunter Iberer, who inspired her to believe that memory can be trained. She shares experiences from competing in memory championships, including a Guinness World Records achievement involving navigating a staircase while memorizing directions. Sommer also reflects on the role of television appearances and managing stage fright, emphasizing the importance of mental exercise in an age dominated by AI and smartphones. She warns against over-reliance on technology, advocating for active thinking before consulting AI.
New threats and a potentially important visit in the Iran-Iraq war
The article discusses escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, focusing on new threats and potential diplomatic efforts. The U.S. has threatened 'hardest sanctions in history' against Iran and its partners, while Iranian officials dismiss these claims, calling them hypocritical. Pakistan’s military chief, Asim Munir, is expected to visit Tehran to discuss peace talks and regional security issues, including a new defense alliance involving Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Despite ongoing speculation about mediation, both sides remain at odds, with Iran warning of retaliation against states supporting U.S. sanctions.
Following forest fires and heavy rains, the situation in Spain stabilises
Ein Waldbrand in der spanischen Region Valencia, ausgelöst durch einen Blitzeinschlag in der Gemeinde Segorbe, ist nun unter Kontrolle. Das Feuer verbrannte etwa 630 Hektar im Naturpark Sierra Calderona und führte zur Evakuierung von rund 1000 Bewohnern des Ortes Gátova. Die Evakuierten dürfen allmählich zurückkehren, müssen jedoch vorerst in ihren Häusern bleiben. Gleichzeitig gab es in der Region starken Regen, der zu Überschwemmungen und Verkehrsbehinderungen führte, wobei mindestens drei Personen verletzt wurden. Die Region Costa Dorada (Goldküste) erlebte bis zu 200 Liter Regen pro Quadratmeter innerhalb kurzer Zeit, was zu erheblichen Schäden und Evakuierungen führte.
Sackerl and cockroach persist: Austriasms do not disappear
A new study by the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) and the University of Vienna examines the persistence of Austro-Bavarian dialect words ('Austriazismen') in the media landscape. Using the 'Austrian Media Corpus' covering 2001–2023, comprising around 51 million articles and ten billion words, the research finds that the frequency of Austriazismen compared to their standard German counterparts has remained largely stable over two decades. Linguist Alexandra N. Lenz notes that no variant has disappeared, but rather maintained consistent usage rates. Previous studies often relied on smaller word lists and surveys, suggesting older generations used more Austriazismen than younger ones, raising concerns about their decline. This latest study analyzed entire variation fields (e.g., 'haube', 'mütze', 'kappe') across 76 groups, revealing minimal shifts over 23 years. The researchers suggest the media environment may contribute to preserving these linguistic features. They plan future work examining the impact of AI and large language models on Austrian German.
George Russell wins the sprint at Zandvoort, pole position to Norris
In the Formula 1 sprint race at Zandvoort, Mercedes driver George Russell secured a straightforward start-to-finish victory ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and world champion Lando Norris. Norris claimed pole position for Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix, narrowly beating Russell and title leader Kimi Antonelli. Russell's third sprint win of the season narrowed his points deficit to 56 behind Antonelli, while Max Verstappen finished sixth. Norris expressed satisfaction with his 18th career pole, hoping to secure consecutive race wins. Russell remains optimistic about maintaining his improving form, possibly boosted by his engagement. Antonelli faced frustration over a mistake during qualifying, prompting Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to urge him to move forward.
Billions in Damages from Drought: How to Help Austria's Farmers Now
The article discusses the severe impact of drought on Austrian agriculture, with crop yields expected to drop by 20-50% and livestock feed shortages forcing farmers to sell their animals. Around 100,000 agricultural businesses are at risk of collapse. The government has initiated talks within the coalition to provide relief, with Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig requesting 250 million euros in immediate aid. The Farmers' Chamber is pushing for suspended social insurance contributions, costing around 300 million euros. Discussions ended without agreement, leaving the responsibility to Totschnig and the chamber. Previously, damage was estimated at one billion euros, while insurance covers only 400 million. Concerns remain over potential misallocation of funds, similar to past coronavirus aid packages. The SPÖ questions the subsidy of fossil fuels like agridiesel, suggesting these funds should instead support drought resilience and emergency funds. Infrastructure Minister Peter Hanke emphasizes the need for long-term government effort but stresses maintaining the budget course.
Three months after Timmy's death, German Maritime Museum still receives hate mail
Three months after the death of the stranded humpback whale 'Timmy', staff at the German Maritime Museum in Stralsund continue to receive hate messages and threats. Since mid-March, the museum has faced criticism and hostility, with spokespersons reporting ongoing online abuse, emails, and phone calls. The backlash intensified after a high-profile influencer questioned the scientific expertise of researchers and NGOs, leading to accusations against the museum staff, including claims they intentionally let the whale die to sell its skeleton. Employees have requested privacy protections due to fears of harassment, and local authorities are investigating potential cases of defamation and intimidation.
Yeah, where's the pussy?
The article reviews the Tractive Cat 6 Mini GPS tracker, focusing on its performance during a test with two cats known for destructive behavior. While the device offers features like location tracking, activity monitoring, and heart rate detection, the test revealed challenges such as difficulty in setting up the tracker due to GPS signal issues and the risk of the device failing if the cat becomes stuck. The article highlights both the design improvements over previous models and the practical limitations of using such technology for pet tracking.
Will China ever learn to love chocolate?
The article discusses the growing interest in chocolate among Chinese consumers and the emergence of local chocolate producers attempting to capture this market. While China consumes mostly imported chocolates from brands like Mars, Ferrero, Nestlé, and Hershey, domestic companies such as Choc Revive, Nibbo, and Saturnbird are gaining traction by incorporating local flavors and developing their own supply chains. Choc Revive, based in Shanghai, has seen rapid growth and plans to expand significantly. The article notes that while chocolate remains relatively niche compared to other global staples like coffee, there is potential for increased consumption as Chinese consumers develop a taste for it.
'ORF certainly does not need a wide range of programmes for people under 30' says private radio manager
The article discusses concerns raised by Corinna Drumm, head of the Austrian Private Broadcasters' Association (VÖP), regarding the planned ORF reform. She warns against further expansion of the state broadcaster ORF, arguing that it already dominates the media landscape and risks pushing private broadcasters out of digital markets. Drumm emphasizes the need to clarify the ORF’s mandate rather than expanding its role, stressing that private media provide significant public value with minimal state support. She criticizes the shift from an inquiry into Austria’s media landscape to a ministerial forum focused solely on ORF’s future, arguing this neglects the broader media diversity needed for a healthy media environment.
Call for renewed migrant rush: Ceuta border heavily secured
Following calls on social media for another mass migration attempt toward the Spanish enclave of Ceuta this weekend, Spain and Morocco have significantly strengthened security measures at the border. Despite these efforts, early reports indicated calm at the border crossing in Ceuta, according to local reporters and Spanish state broadcaster RTVE. Authorities from both countries aim to prevent a repeat of the July events, during which up to 80,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta. The Spanish interior minister emphasized that the previous mass arrival was an exceptional event that would not recur. Recently, Moroccan authorities arrested individuals suspected of inciting new attempts to illegally enter Ceuta and Melilla. Security has been heightened on the Moroccan side, including barbed wire, water cannons, patrol boats, and checkpoints along access roads. Approximately 880 Spanish national police officers are currently deployed in Ceuta, supported by around 2,000 soldiers and 700 civil guards. After the recent influx, many migrants returned to Morocco within hours or days, though approximately 5,000 remain in Ceuta. The Spanish government acknowledges that returning to complete normality