GermanyOwnership & classification
Founded: 1993
Ownership
Focus was launched as a weekly news magazine in January 1993 by Hubert Burda and Helmut Markwort; its online arm Focus Online grew into one of Germany's largest news portals. It is published by FOCUS Magazin Verlag GmbH, which sits within the Hubert Burda Media group based in Offenburg. Hubert Burda Media is wholly owned and controlled by the Burda family, with Hubert Burda as publisher and general partner.
Funding
Financed commercially through advertising, online traffic monetisation and subscriptions, as part of the family-owned Burda media business; no party or state subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
Focus has a moderately conservative, center-right editorial outlook but is privately owned by the Burda family with no party, church or government control over content. That private commercial ownership makes it INDEPENDENT, consistent with the site's center-right lean.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 870
69/100
Factual
60/100
Objective
1071
Articles
1035
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
Debate on the AfD in the CDU: The AfD is a Western party
Reiner Haseloff, former Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt and member of the CDU, warns against any cooperation with the AfD after the upcoming state election on September 6. He argues that parts of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt are unconstitutional and would lead to a fundamentally different system with a completely different value system if such collaboration were allowed. Haseloff emphasizes that the CDU cannot work with the AfD unless the party changes its current radical stance. While he remains firm against cooperation with the Left Party, he criticizes the media for their 'Western perspective' and claims they contribute to a negative portrayal of East Germany, which plays into the hands of the AfD. Haseloff acknowledges past contributions to East-West divisions within his own CDU but insists that the AfD is primarily a Western party.
Helge Schneider cancels his appearance after 20 minutes
The article reports that German comedian Helge Schneider abruptly ended his performance after just 20 minutes, stating 'I have had enough.' The headline highlights his emotional reaction, suggesting personal frustration or exhaustion during the event. No further details about the cause of his abrupt exit are provided beyond his verbal statement. The piece focuses on the incident itself rather than offering broader commentary or analysis.
Returning to England: What are Harry and Meghan up to?
The article discusses Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to return to the United Kingdom from California, focusing on their potential future roles and activities. It mentions Meghan's possible involvement in the third season of the Netflix series 'The Gentlemen' directed by Guy Ritchie, which involves a fictionalized account of a former UN soldier returning home to find a large cannabis plantation. The article notes that while they are moving to a private house in the Cotswolds, this is distinct from royal residences like Highgrove House. Additionally, it references Harry's ongoing efforts with the Invictus Games, a sports event for wounded veterans, and his hope to collaborate with his father, King Charles III, on future events. The article also touches on the gathering at Balmoral Castle where members of the royal family discussed the implications of Harry and Meghan's return.
Bremen: Suspect in fatal beating not arrested
In Bremen, a suspect accused of causing fatal injuries through violent assault has not been arrested yet. The incident involves a serious criminal act where the alleged perpetrator is still at large. Authorities are investigating the case but have not taken the suspect into custody. Details surrounding the attack remain under investigation, and no further information has been released regarding the suspect’s identity or the circumstances of the crime.
A driver with a medical problem: car races through pedestrian zone in Hesse - eight injured - n-tv.de
A driver with a medical issue caused a car to crash through a pedestrian zone in Hesse, resulting in eight injured individuals. The incident highlights concerns about road safety and the potential risks posed by drivers experiencing health problems behind the wheel. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, including whether the driver was aware of their condition at the time of the collision. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, providing medical assistance to those affected. The event has sparked discussions about the need for stricter regulations or monitoring of drivers who may have underlying health conditions.
Left in the Arctic in 1948: German researchers solve mystery of giant fossil predator
German researchers have solved the mystery surrounding a massive predator fossil discovered in the Arctic in 1948. The study focuses on identifying the species and understanding its ecological role during the Pleistocene epoch. The research highlights significant findings related to prehistoric fauna and contributes to paleontological knowledge. The discovery provides insights into ancient ecosystems and evolutionary adaptations.
Walker found dead woman in Hamburger Park
A woman was found dead in a Hamburg park by a pedestrian, according to a report from Focus Online. The incident occurred during a walk in the park, and authorities were alerted to the situation. No further details about the cause of death or ongoing investigations were provided in the brief report. The event highlights the occasional occurrence of unexpected fatalities in public spaces.
FC Bayern in the individual review: Five twos, Olise shines and gets a grade of 1
The article discusses individual critiques of FC Bayern players during a match, highlighting that five players received two-star ratings, while Olise stood out and was awarded a top rating of 1. The piece focuses on player performance evaluations rather than broader sports strategy or team dynamics.
Canada opposes Trump's tariffs: 'We were attacked'
The article reports that Canada has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs by stating that they were 'attacked.' The headline suggests a strong reaction from Canada against the economic measures imposed by the United States. The focus is on the trade dispute between Canada and the U.S., highlighting Canada's perception of being targeted by Trump's policies.
VW's hope carrier: Electric Urban Car Family in comparison
The article titled 'VW's Hopeful Carrier: Electric Urban Car Family in Comparison' by Focus Online discusses Volkswagen's strategy in developing electric urban vehicles. It compares different models within Volkswagen's electric vehicle lineup aimed at city driving, highlighting features such as range, charging time, and design. The piece emphasizes Volkswagen's efforts to compete in the growing market for eco-friendly transportation, particularly in urban environments where emissions and space constraints are significant concerns.
Before the elections in Saxony-Anhalt: coffee with Mr Siegmund?
Four weeks before the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, leading candidates from various parties participated in a televised debate hosted by MDR titled 'Fakt ist! Wahlarena,' where they addressed questions from the public on topics ranging from education, gas supply, migration, war, and peace. The discussion focused heavily on concerns regarding democracy, societal division, and the future role of the AfD, which leads in opinion polls with over 40 percent support. One audience member questioned why the CDU would maintain a 'firewall' against the AfD if they wanted to engage with their voters. The CDU’s Minister President, Sven Schulze, stated he had no intention of cooperating with the AfD but emphasized his willingness to talk to its supporters. The AfD’s candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, described a sense of optimism among his supporters, while Left Party candidate Eva von Angern warned against falling into the AfD’s narrative of victimhood. Education was another major topic, particularly the AfD’s proposal to replace compulsory schooling with a compulsory education mandate, which Siegmund argued could benefit children facing extreme bullying at school. Other issues included university
Putin threatens to hit Kiev with a 'clearly destructive' blow
The article reports on Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning to Kyiv, stating that Russia's actions would be 'clearly more destructive.' The headline emphasizes the threat posed by Russia, suggesting a potential escalation in conflict. The content focuses on the rhetoric used by Putin regarding military strategy and the implications for Ukraine. No specific details about recent events or official statements are provided beyond the quoted warning.
Police have been puzzling since 2023, after 500 clues, a lead: unknown could be missing since 1994 Canadian
The article reports on a police investigation in Germany that has been ongoing since 2023, focusing on a missing Canadian man who was reported missing in 1994. Despite receiving over 500 tips, authorities have not yet identified the individual, raising questions about the case’s progress and potential challenges in solving it. The case highlights the difficulties faced by law enforcement in identifying missing persons after extended periods, particularly when there is limited information available. The article emphasizes the lack of conclusive leads despite extensive efforts, suggesting that the case remains unsolved and continues to puzzle investigators.