Ownership & classification
Founded: 1848
Ownership
Die Presse is Austria's oldest surviving quality daily, first published in Vienna in 1848 by August Zang (relaunched as Die Presse in 1946). Since the 1990s it has been owned by the Styria Media Group AG, based in Graz. Styria is in turn controlled by the Catholic-oriented Katholischer Medien Verein Privatstiftung (holding about 98% of shares) together with the Katholischer Medienverein association; the Bishop of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau has co-determination rights in these governing bodies.
Funding
Financed commercially through advertising, print sales and a digital subscription/paywall, as part of the Styria group's revenues; it is not a church-budget publication but a market-funded paper under a Catholic-foundation owner.
Affiliation & stance
Die Presse is a liberal-conservative (center-right) quality daily. Although its ultimate owner is a Catholic media foundation, that foundation operates Styria as an arm's-length commercial publisher and does not direct editorial line as a church organ; the church/foundation link is why the site marks it DEPENDENT rather than fully INDEPENDENT. The site's DEPENDENT/CENTER_RIGHT classification is defensible, though many monitors treat it as an editorially independent commercial paper.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 318
63/100
Factual
58/100
Objective
438
Articles
422
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

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.
A noble confusion with the precious metal: Saint Hanappi, look oba!
The headline 'Edle Verwechslung am Edelmetall: Sankt Hanappi, schau oba!' translates to 'A Noble Confusion in Precious Metals: Saint Hanappi, look both!' This appears to be a humorous or satirical piece by Die Presse, likely referencing a local event or incident involving precious metals and the town of Saint Hanappi. The article seems to play on wordplay related to 'edel' (noble/prestigious) and 'verwechslung' (confusion), suggesting a lighthearted take on a potential mix-up or misunderstanding involving valuable items. No further details are provided in the excerpt.
Imperial Glory and Natural Poetry
The headline 'Kaiserglanz und Naturpoesie' appears to reference themes of imperial grandeur ('Kaiserglanz') and poetic natural beauty ('Naturpoesie'), suggesting a cultural or literary focus. However, the article text provided is incomplete and does not contain sufficient content to determine the specific subject matter or context. No additional information or detailed content is available to assess the political charge, framing, or potential bias of the piece.
The aristocracy of the newspapers and universal suffrage by Collectif
The article discusses 'L'Aristocratie des journaux et le suffrage universel' by Collectif, which appears to critique the influence of journalistic elites on democratic processes such as universal suffrage. The piece likely explores how traditional media power structures may impact public opinion and electoral systems. It suggests a critical perspective on the role of journalism in modern democracy, possibly questioning whether current media practices align with democratic values like equality and representation. The work is presented as part of a broader discourse on media's societal role.

The (secret) reasons for Harry & Meghan's return home
The article titled 'Die (heimlichen) Gründe für Harrys & Meghans Heimkehr' by Die Presse explores the potential reasons behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to return to the United Kingdom. The piece suggests that their move may be influenced by personal and professional factors, including a desire for greater autonomy and control over their public image. It highlights tensions within the British royal family and the broader implications of their choice for the monarchy’s modernization efforts. While the article presents various theories, it does not provide definitive answers, leaving room for speculation.
Don't say "citronate citronate" to the cedar!
The article titled 'Sag ja nicht „Zitronatzitrone“ zum Cédrat!' by Die Presse discusses a linguistic debate over the correct term for the citrus fruit known as 'Cédrat' in German. The article highlights the confusion between the terms 'Zitronatzitrone' and the more accurate 'Cédrat,' emphasizing the importance of using the correct botanical name for the fruit. It notes that while 'Zitronatzitrone' is commonly used in everyday speech, it is technically incorrect. The piece serves as a reminder of the nuances in language and the value of precise terminology, particularly in contexts where accuracy matters, such as scientific or culinary discussions.
Germany's crisis is much bigger than Merz
The article titled 'Deutschlands Krise ist viel größer als Merz' from Die Presse discusses the economic and political challenges facing Germany, suggesting that the country's crisis is more significant than the impact of former Chancellor Angela Merkel's policies. The piece appears to critique the current state of Germany's economy and governance, implying that the issues are broader and more severe than those associated with Merkel's leadership. However, the article does not provide specific data or detailed analysis to support these claims, leaving the reader with a general impression rather than concrete evidence.
SPÖ claims to be debt-free
The Austrian Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) announced today that it has become debt-free as of August. This follows a previous goal set during the March federal congress, where finance spokesperson Christoph Matznetter had stated the party aimed to be debt-free within 18 to 24 months. The SPÖ previously reported debts of around 20 million euros in 2014 under former leader Werner Faymann. Originally targeting debt freedom by 2025, the timeline was adjusted due to unexpected expenses from additional party meetings and member consultations for leadership positions. In 2024, the SPÖ took out a loan of approximately 1.5 million euros.
Franz Liszt as a symphonist: great emotions and a case of abuse
The article titled 'Franz Liszt als Symphoniker: Große Emotionen und ein Missbrauchsfall' by Die Presse discusses a performance where Franz Liszt was portrayed as a symphonist, highlighting both emotional impact and a case of abuse. The piece appears to explore the cultural significance of Liszt's work while addressing allegations of misconduct associated with his legacy. It suggests a complex narrative involving artistic expression and historical controversies.
Ukraine will win: German Foreign Minister Wadephul arrives in Kiev
The Austrian newspaper Die Presse reports on the arrival of Germany's Foreign Minister, Wadephul, in Kyiv. The headline suggests optimism about Ukraine's prospects in the conflict, using the phrase 'Ukraine wird gewinnen' which translates to 'Ukraine will win.' The article highlights the visit as part of diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine, though the content does not provide detailed discussions or specific policy positions from the minister during his meeting.
Gaps in knowledge
The headline 'Lücken Erkenntnis' (translated as 'Gaps in Knowledge') appears in Die Presse, an Austrian news outlet. The article title suggests a focus on gaps in understanding or information, though the provided text does not include the full content of the article. Without additional context or body text, it is unclear what specific issue or event the article is addressing. The lack of detailed content makes it difficult to determine the exact subject matter or framing of the piece.
Europe can deliver: Letters to the readers of 22 August 2026
The article presents reader letters published in Die Presse on August 22, 2026, under the headline 'Europe can deliver.' The letters likely discuss European Union policies, cooperation, or responses to challenges facing Europe at that time. As the content is limited to the title and date, specific details about the topics discussed in the letters are not provided. Reader letters typically reflect public opinion, personal experiences, or critiques of current events, offering insight into societal attitudes toward European unity and governance.
I think that we should not forget that we are in a situation of crisis.
The headline 'Wer immer nur von Krise spricht, bekommt auch eine' translates to 'Anyone who always talks about crisis, gets one too.' The article appears to critique individuals or entities that constantly emphasize crises, suggesting that such persistent negativity may lead to actual negative outcomes. While the exact content of the article is not fully provided, the headline implies a commentary on the potential consequences of excessive focus on crisis narratives.












