GermanyOwnership & classification
Founded: 1978
Ownership
taz (die tageszeitung) was founded in 1978 in Berlin out of the alternative/left-wing scene. Facing insolvency or a commercial takeover in the early 1990s, it converted to a reader-owned publishing cooperative (taz Verlagsgenossenschaft eG), formalised in 1992, now comprising many thousands of member-shareholders. No single owner, company, party or investor controls it; it is governed collectively by its cooperative and staff.
Funding
It is funded primarily by subscriptions, cooperative shares and reader donations, deliberately minimising reliance on advertising (only a small share of income); it receives no state or party subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
taz is openly left-wing and green-leaning in its editorial stance, but it is reader-/employee-owned through a cooperative with no party, union or state control, which makes it INDEPENDENT. This confirms the site's INDEPENDENT type and LEFT lean.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 824
78/100
Factual
69/100
Objective
917
Articles
917
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
The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt: the extreme right and its henchmen
In Sachsen-Anhalt wird am Dienstag ein neuer Landtag gewählt, der möglicherweise eine Regierung mit Vertretern der AfD und BSW bilden könnte. Die AfD erreichte 43,8 Prozent der Zweitstimmen und benötigt drei zusätzliche Sitze für eine absolute Mehrheit. Die Artikel analysiert die Mitglieder der AfD- und BSW-Fraktion, beschreibt sie als rechtsradikal und mit Verbindungen zu Neonazis, Putinsupportern und Vetternwirtschaft. Ulrich Siegmund, ein prominenter AfD-Politiker, wird als potenzieller Ministerpräsident diskutiert, und seine Verbindungen zur Vetternwirtschaft sowie seine Rolle bei einem 'Remigrationstreffen' werden hervorgehoben. Oliver Kirchner, Fraktionsvorsitzender der AfD, wird kritisiert wegen rassistischer Äußerungen und Verschwörungstheorien. Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, ein Islamwissenschaftler, wird als führendes Mitglied der rechten Flügel der AfD beschrieben.
The Nobel Prize in Medicine: a victory for basic research
The Nobel Prize in Medicine has been awarded to Peter Hegemann, Georg Nagel, and Karl Deisseroth for their groundbreaking work in optogenetics. Their research involves using light-sensitive proteins derived from algae to control neurons, enabling scientists to study brain function at an unprecedented level. This method allows researchers like Markus Rothermel to explore how attention forms, how memories and emotions are created by nerve cells, and other complex neurological processes. The development of optogenetics began with studies on the green alga *Chlamydomonas reinhardtii*, which uses a photoreceptor similar to human rhodopsin to move toward light. This discovery led to the identification of light-sensitive ion channels that could be used to activate neurons. Despite initial skepticism, the breakthrough was achieved in 2002 by Hegemann and Nagel, and later refined by Deisseroth, who applied the technique to neuroscience.
German Book Prize for Shida Bazyar: the story of a hometown
Shida Bazyar has won the German Book Prize for her novel 'Die Lücken,' which explores the history of her hometown, inspired by Hermeskeil in western Germany. The book delves into the disappearance of Jewish life in the region, the handling of Holocaust memory in post-war Germany, and the current tensions between descendants of Nazis and refugee families. In her acceptance speech, Bazyar highlighted the dark political climate in Germany, noting rising antisemitic and racist crimes, and emphasized that all minority groups face threats today. She referenced historical parallels, including the recent public discussion of deportations since 1945, but did not explicitly point to parliamentary institutions as the main source of danger.
The burner-out of 2035: Do not cancel!
Die Artikel diskutiert den Fortschritt der Elektromobilität in Europa und warnt vor Versuchen, die Frist für das Aus des Verbrennungsantriebs (2035) zu verlängern. Obwohl die Verfügbarkeit von E-Autos zunimmt und Klimaregeln die Automobilindustrie zwingen, mehr E-Autos zu verkaufen, arbeiten Konservative und Rechte daran, die Frist zu verschonen. Die Autorin betont, dass das Absagen des Verbrenner-Aus die Klimakrise verschlimmern würde, stattdessen sollte Europa unabhängiger von China in der E-Mobilität werden. BMW startete bereits eine eigene Akku-Fertigung.
Do you know this bird?
The documentary film 'Watching People Watching Birds' explores the calming hobby of birdwatching and connects it to broader themes of climate change and environmental awareness. The film follows several individuals who observe birds, both in industrial landscapes of North Rhine-Westphalia and in the United States. It highlights how these observations reveal changes in nature due to climate change, such as the decline of certain bird species over time. The filmmakers emphasize the personal connection between people and nature, showing how encounters with wildlife can shift perspectives and foster a deeper understanding of ecological loss.
New elections in Spain: The housing crisis will decide the next elections
Der spanische Premier Pedro Sánchez hat die Parlamentswahlen um mehr als ein halbes Jahr vorverlegt, um die Wohnungskrise als zentrales Wählerthema zu nutzen. Die linke Minderheitsregierung unter Sánchez konnte bislang keine signifikanten Reformen im Mietrecht durchsetzen, obwohl sie Maßnahmen wie die Verlängerung von Mietverträgen und die Aussetzung von Zwangsräumungen eingeführt hat. Die konservative Volkspartei (PP), oft zusammen mit der rechtsextremen Vox, ignoriert solche Gesetze in den Regionen, in denen sie regiert, und hält stattdessen den Wohnungsmarkt für unangetastet. Sánchez versucht nun, die Wohnungskrise zur Hauptfrage der Wahl zu machen, um die Unterstützung seiner Regierung zu stärken, doch die Wirkung seiner Maßnahmen wird in der Bevölkerung skeptisch wahrgenommen.
Zionism: In the Beginning Was the Longing
The article explores the origins and evolution of Zionism, tracing the term back to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, which became a symbol of Jewish longing for their ancestral homeland after the destruction of the First Temple. The movement emerged in response to antisemitism and pogroms in Eastern Europe and Russia during the 19th century. The first Zionist Congress was held in Basel in 1897, where Theodor Herzl proposed the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Early immigration efforts, known as 'Aliyah,' were primarily driven by Jews from Eastern Europe. The article notes that Zionism encompassed diverse ideologies, including socialist, cultural, religious, and bourgeois strands. Not all Jews supported Zionism at the time, with some groups opposing it in favor of assimilation. The Holocaust significantly shifted attitudes, leading to increased support for Zionism.
Reductions in the WDR: 400 programmes less
The article reports on planned cuts at the West German Broadcasting Corporation (WDR), which aims to reduce its program offerings by 400 and cut 133 positions by 2030. The changes include discontinuing hundreds of programs, including social media channels, TV formats, newsletters, and websites. WDR’s director, Igmar Cario, attributes these changes to shifting media consumption trends toward digital platforms and the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence. The restructuring will also affect staffing, with 400 positions expected to become vacant due to retirements, though only around 133 will not be replaced. The article highlights concerns among freelance workers, who face uncertainty regarding their future employment, while permanent staff will not see reduced working hours. The WDR cites reasons such as ineffective reach to target audiences, lack of strategic importance, and overlapping content as justifications for the cuts.
UK Green Party Congress: How anti-Semitic are the English Greens?
Auf ihrem Parteitag in Brighton hat die englische Grüne Partei Zionismus als Rassismus definiert und damit eine kontroverse politische Entscheidung getroffen. Der Parteichef Zack Polanski ist seitdem unter Druck, nachdem die Partei mit 1022 zu 813 Stimmen beschlossen hat, dass Zionismus Rassismus sei. Diese Entscheidung entspricht der Anti-Zionistischen Politik der Partei, die auch Boykott-, Desinvestitions- und Sanktionsmaßnahmen (BDS) gegen Israel fördert. Die Resolution wurde trotz Widerspruchs der grünen Unterhausfraktion und ehemaliger Parteichefin Caroline Lucas durchgesetzt. Die Entscheidung löste Bedenken hinsichtlich der Diskriminierung jüdischer Parteimitglieder aus, da viele Briten im Judentum Israel und Zionismus unterstützen. Änderungsanträge, die alternative Lösungen oder Schutzmechanismen für jüdische Mitglieder vorsahen, wurden abgelehnt.
Revanchism among AfD youth: AfD youth board wants greater German solution
An article from taz – die tageszeitung discusses the resurgence of revanchist sentiments within the youth wing of Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Luca Maurice Strauf, a member of the AfD Youth Board, posted a map on the Day of Reunification showing parts of several neighboring countries colored in German, which has sparked controversy. This act reflects a growing trend among some younger members of the AfD toward advocating for a 'greater German solution,' implying territorial expansion or revisionist claims. The post has caused internal tension within the AfD Youth organization and raised concerns about the direction of the party's younger generation.
Highly irritated Günther warns Chancellor in letter against Reich energy policy
The article reports that Günther has expressed strong concerns in a letter to the Chancellor regarding Germany's energy policy, describing it as 'highly irritating.' The focus is on the potential risks and challenges associated with the current approach to energy strategy, particularly in relation to the country's reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power. Günther's warning highlights disagreements within the government over the direction of energy reforms and the implications for national security and economic stability. The piece emphasizes the internal debate surrounding energy transition policies and their broader impact on Germany’s future.
Trial of suspected waste agents: fine for foam attacks on cars
In 2025, hundreds of cars were sabotaged, allegedly by eco-activists. Three young adults have now been convicted for these attacks, which involved using foam to damage vehicles. The investigation has pointed to Russia as a possible origin of the sabotage activities. This case highlights concerns over environmental activism turning into destructive actions and raises questions about international involvement in such incidents.
North-South Commission: Panel introduces prominent members
The newly formed 20-member North-South Commission has been established to develop proposals for global development cooperation. The commission is tasked with shaping strategies for international collaboration in development policies.