FranceOwnership & classification
Founded: 2002
Ownership
The French edition of 20 Minutes was launched in Paris on 15 March 2002. It is held in equal halves by two private press groups: the SIPA / Ouest-France group (publisher of France's largest paid daily, Ouest-France, ultimately controlled by the non-profit Association pour le soutien des principes de la democratie humaniste) and Groupe Rossel, the leading French-language press group in Belgium. There is no state or party owner.
Funding
A free commuter daily and news website financed essentially entirely by advertising (print and digital), with no cover price and no state or party subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
20 Minutes positions itself as a politically neutral, general-interest free newspaper with a centrist line. Because it is privately owned by two commercial/association-backed press groups with no party or government control, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 392
70/100
Factual
66/100
Objective
482
Articles
472
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
Five people charged after a shooting in Villeurbanne
A shooting incident occurred in Villeurbanne, France, resulting in five individuals being placed under formal investigation. The event has prompted authorities to launch a criminal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Local law enforcement has been involved in the investigation, and further details regarding the victims and suspects remain pending. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety in urban areas.
Two police officers in custody after a fatal accident in Oise
Two police officers are under investigation following a fatal accident in Oise, France. The incident has led to their placement in custody for questioning. Authorities are examining whether the officers were at fault for the accident. Details surrounding the crash and the circumstances leading to the officers' detention remain under investigation.
Prosecuted after 23-year-old killed in shooting in Nancy
A 23-year-old man died in a shooting incident in Nancy, France, leading to the formal investigation and questioning of individuals involved. The article reports on the legal proceedings initiated following the tragic event, highlighting the authorities' response to the incident. It does not provide detailed information about the circumstances of the shooting, the identities of those questioned, or any broader context surrounding the case. The focus remains on the immediate aftermath and the judicial process.
Cannes is equipping its municipal police with nitrous oxide detectors
The article reports that the city of Cannes has equipped its municipal police with detectors for nitrous oxide. This initiative appears to be part of efforts to monitor and control emissions of this greenhouse gas, which contributes to climate change. The move reflects growing environmental concerns and regulatory actions aimed at reducing harmful pollutants in urban areas. While the article does not provide detailed information on the scope of the program or specific policies being implemented, it highlights an increasing focus on environmental enforcement by local authorities.
Japanese man leaves his 7-year-old son on Mount Fuji for hours
A Japanese man left his 7-year-old son alone on Mount Fuji for several hours. The incident occurred during a hike, raising concerns about parental responsibility and child safety. Authorities were alerted and intervened to ensure the child's well-being. The father was reportedly caught on camera leaving the boy unattended at a high altitude. This event has sparked discussions about the risks of hiking with young children and the need for greater awareness among parents.
Two bodies found in a building ravaged by a fire in Switzerland
An article from 20 Minutes reports that two people were found dead in a building destroyed by a fire in Switzerland. The incident highlights concerns about fire safety and emergency response in residential areas. While the article provides basic information about the event, it does not include detailed accounts of the cause of the fire, the identities of the victims, or any official investigations. The focus remains on the tragic outcome rather than exploring broader implications or contextual factors.
Corsica: two lightly injured in a new fire in a paillote
Two men were lightly injured in an early morning fire that destroyed a beachside restaurant, Osteria, located at the Pinarello beach in Sorbo-Ocagnano, Haute-Corse. The incident occurred shortly before midnight and required the intervention of five fire trucks and 20 firefighters. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, though no conclusions have been reached yet. This follows similar incidents reported recently on the island, including the destruction of another bar in Ajaccio last week, which was set ablaze using two gasoline cans. In January, prosecutors emphasized that combating intentional fires is a priority in Corsica alongside tackling organized crime and extortion.
The small European Championships, hunting ground for L1 clubs
The article discusses the participation of French Ligue 1 clubs in smaller European competitions, highlighting how these teams often compete against lower-tier clubs from other countries. It suggests that these matches serve as opportunities for Ligue 1 teams to gain experience and exposure, while also providing a platform for less prominent clubs to showcase their abilities. The piece emphasizes the competitive nature of these tournaments and their role in the broader European football landscape.
Who is Sonia Bellina, the influential woman found burned to death in the Gard?
The article investigates Sonia Bellina, a social media influencer discovered dead in the Gard region of France, burned beyond recognition. The headline highlights the mystery surrounding her death, suggesting potential foul play due to the unusual circumstances. The article likely explores her online presence, personal life, and any known connections that might shed light on the incident. As the situation involves a suspicious death, authorities may be investigating possible criminal activity. However, the article does not provide detailed information on the cause of death or any official statements at this time.
It stresses the driver ... The police have found a very useful way to verbalize safe distances
French police have introduced a new method to enforce safe driving distances between vehicles. The approach aims to address the issue of drivers maintaining insufficient gaps, which can lead to dangerous situations on the road. According to reports, this new enforcement technique has been described by some drivers as stressful. The initiative reflects efforts to improve road safety by ensuring compliance with legal distance requirements.
Orange alert lifted in 19 departments this Saturday
Le Figaro reports that Météo-France has lifted the orange heatwave alert in 19 departments along the western coast and the Alps as of Saturday morning, with plans to lift it in 36 additional departments, including the Paris region, by Sunday at 6 AM. The temperature decrease initiated after the peak of Thursday-Friday is expected to continue over the weekend, though thunderstorms are forecast in southwestern France. While temperatures will remain high in parts of eastern France, including the Paris region, reaching between 35 and 39°C, and potentially up to 40°C in some areas during the afternoon, a significant improvement is anticipated by Sunday, with temperatures dropping to between 28 and 34°C across most regions.
Fontainebleau Forest reopened to the public on Saturday after being burned down in July
The Forest of Fontainebleau, which was set ablaze in July, is reopening to the public this Saturday. The fire, which occurred earlier this year, has now been extinguished, allowing authorities to resume access to the forest. Visitors can once again enjoy the natural area, though safety measures may still be in place. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about wildfires in France’s protected natural spaces.
After the hacking of the tax office, the Paris prosecutor opens an investigation
The French judiciary has launched an investigation into a major cybersecurity breach targeting the tax administration in June. Nearly 700,000 individuals and businesses were affected, with sensitive personal data such as names, income information, and tax rates stolen from private citizens, while companies had less sensitive data like SIREN numbers compromised. The French Ministry of Public Prosecution, working with the Office Anticybercriminality (Ofac), is investigating potential criminal activities including unauthorized data extraction and participation in organized cybercrime groups. The attack is described as more sophisticated than previous incidents, raising concerns about state cybersecurity. Two young hackers, aged 22 and 15, were recently indicted after being linked to the 'Dumpsec' group, which targeted institutions like the National Assembly and companies such as Leroy Merlin. Authorities warn of increasing cyber threats and emphasize that users will be contacted regarding risks of identity theft.