AustraliaOwnership & classification
Founded: 1999
Ownership
news.com.au is the flagship general-news website of News Corp Australia, the country's largest newspaper publisher. News Corp Australia operates through holding company News Pty Ltd (formerly News Limited, founded 1923) and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the US-listed News Corp, controlled by Rupert Murdoch and the Murdoch family. The site launched in the late 1990s as the online front for News Corp's Australian mastheads.
Funding
Funded commercially through digital advertising and as a free, ad-supported portal that also funnels readers to paywalled News Corp mastheads such as The Australian and the Herald Sun.
Affiliation & stance
As a commercially owned outlet within Murdoch's private/publicly-listed News Corp empire, with no party or government ownership, it is classified INDEPENDENT, though its coverage leans centre-right in line with News Corp's editorial orientation.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 700
60/100
Factual
55/100
Objective
966
Articles
943
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
Superstar Robbie Williams set to headline Melbourne Cup
The article announces that singer Robbie Williams is set to perform at the Melbourne Cup, a major horse racing event in Australia. The headline highlights his participation as a headliner, suggesting a significant cultural or entertainment aspect to the event. There is no detailed information provided about the nature of his performance, the specific date of the event, or any controversies surrounding his involvement. The focus appears to be on the celebrity attraction rather than any political or social issue.
Zelensky rejects wartime elections, says would ‘split’ Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the idea of holding wartime elections in Ukraine, stating that such a move could 'split' the country. The remarks come amid ongoing conflict with Russia, which has been intensifying since February 2022. Zelensky emphasized the importance of national unity during times of war, suggesting that early elections might undermine morale and cohesion among citizens and military personnel. His comments reflect broader concerns within the Ukrainian government about maintaining stability and focus on the war effort.
‘Unbelievable’: One Nation immigration policy in chaos as MP concedes target ‘not too different’ from Labor’s
One Nation, an Australian political party, faces internal criticism over its immigration policy after MP David Farley suggested the party's proposed migration numbers are not significantly different from those of the current Albanese government. Farley attempted to redefine 'net overseas migration' (NOM), stating that while the raw number might be similar to the government's, the focus should be on where migrants are needed, primarily in rural areas for sectors like agriculture, engineering, and mining rather than major cities. He explained that One Nation's target of 130,000 annual net overseas migrants does not include additional migrant categories such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and aged care nurses, which could add at least 100,000 more migrants annually. This clarification has led to accusations from both the opposition and the ruling party that One Nation lacks consistency and clarity on a central policy issue.
Teen hospitalised on NSW Central Coast after alleged stabbing
A 15-year-old boy was hospitalized in critical but stable condition after being allegedly stabbed at Painters Lane, Terrigal, on the NSW Central Coast. Emergency services responded to the incident around 9:45pm, treating the teenager for a single stab wound to the left side before transporting him to Gosford Hospital. Police from the Brisbane Water Police District established a crime scene and interviewed several teenagers, though no arrests have been made. Detectives are investigating potential relationships between the involved groups and the circumstances leading to the altercation. Authorities have issued a warning about youth carrying knives and are appealing for witnesses or surveillance footage.
Revealed: The NSW universities using AI in lectures and as ‘study buddies’
Australian universities are increasingly integrating AI into their educational practices, with the University of Newcastle introducing AI-driven lecture content and virtual assistants. This move has sparked concern among students and educators over the potential devaluation of academic qualifications and the erosion of traditional university experiences. Critics argue that AI's role in delivering lectures undermines the core value of higher education, questioning whether such technological advancements truly serve students' interests. Meanwhile, similar implementations are being explored globally, including at institutions like the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Harvard Business School, where AI clones of professors are being tested. Advocates of AI in education highlight efficiency gains and the ability to offer round-the-clock support, though the broader implications for academic integrity and student engagement remain under debate.
‘Scroungers’ or worth a second chance: What Londoners really think of Harry and Meghan
On August 23, 2026, a reporter in London interviewed various citizens about their views on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's potential return to the United Kingdom. Public opinion appears divided, with some expressing support for their reintegration into the royal family, while others criticize them as 'scroungers' and accuse the royal family of being wasteful and corrupt. The couple's children are set to attend a British school, and the family plans to move to a private residence near London. Speculation continues regarding government-provided security, Meghan's possible return to acting, and reconciliation between Harry and his brother, Prince William. Public sentiment reflects broader concerns about the financial burden of the monarchy, with recent polls indicating that 64% of British voters still support keeping the monarchy despite its costs.
TEARS FLOW AT SCG: Emotional scenes as stars and staff break down
The article describes emotional scenes at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during a sports event, where players and staff were seen breaking down in tears. The focus appears to be on the intense emotions displayed by individuals involved in the game, highlighting moments of personal struggle or significant achievement. While the specific event or team is not detailed, the narrative centers around the human element of sports, emphasizing the emotional impact on participants.
Starc strikes early again as Australian tighten grip on Mackay Test
In the second Test between Australia and Bangladesh in Mackay, Australia has taken control of the match after a strong performance by their bowling attack. Mitchell Starc made an immediate impact in Bangladesh's second innings, claiming two crucial early wickets, including a hat-trick attempt, which significantly weakened the opposition's position. Pat Cummins also contributed by taking a wicket, further tightening Australia's grip on the game. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh's Shoriful Islam achieved a remarkable feat by taking seven wickets in an innings, becoming the first Bangladeshi bowler to do so in a Test match on Australian soil. This came after Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test victory on Australian grounds in the previous match in Darwin. Cameron Green's innings for Australia ended abruptly when he was dismissed by Shoriful Islam, who later celebrated his historic achievement.
Smorgon ex eyes $11.7m Melb property payday
The article reports on a former executive of Smorgon, a prominent Australian steel company, who is considering selling a Melbourne property valued at $11.7 million. The potential sale could result in a significant financial gain for the individual. The focus of the article is on the property's value and the possibility of a substantial return on investment. There is no detailed information provided about the specific circumstances surrounding the property or the former executive's current status. The article appears to highlight the potential financial opportunity rather than delve into broader economic implications.
‘Tilt my hat’: One Nation’s unlikely alliance
The article discusses the unexpected political alliance between One Nation, a far-right Australian political party known for its anti-immigration stance, and other smaller parties or groups. The headline 'Tilt my hat' suggests a gesture of respect or acknowledgment, implying a rare moment of cooperation. While the piece highlights the unusual nature of this partnership, it does not provide specific details about the terms of the alliance, the parties involved, or the potential implications for Australian politics. The focus appears to be on the significance of such a collaboration within a typically fragmented political landscape.
‘Resilience’: Economy avoids dip despite threats
The article titled '‘Resilience’: Economy avoids dip despite threats' from News.com.au discusses how the economy has maintained stability despite various challenges. The piece highlights factors contributing to economic resilience, such as strong consumer spending, robust employment figures, and supportive government policies. It suggests that while external threats like global market volatility and inflationary pressures exist, they have not yet led to a downturn. The tone of the article emphasizes positive outcomes and the ability of the economy to withstand adversity.
27-year-old murdered for visiting island
A 27-year-old individual was murdered after visiting an island, according to the article. The incident has raised concerns about safety and potential conflicts related to unauthorized visits to restricted areas. Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crime, including whether the victim's presence on the island violated any regulations. The case highlights ongoing tensions between local communities and visitors, particularly regarding access to natural or protected sites.
Blues Smash Dockers Ahead of Finals
The Sydney Blues defeated the Dockers in a crucial match ahead of the finals, showcasing strong performance and strategic play. This victory positions the Blues as a formidable team heading into the postseason, increasing their chances of advancing further in the competition. The Dockers, despite their loss, will need to regroup and prepare for upcoming challenges. Fans and analysts are now focusing on how this win impacts the team dynamics and strategies moving forward.