Definition
State media are outlets whose ownership, primary funding, or editorial direction sits with a national government or government-aligned institution. Editorial freedom varies — some state-funded outlets retain genuine independence, others function as the government's information arm.
Why this matters when reading conflict news
State media are useful for understanding the official line a country is taking. They are not useful as sole sources for that country's adversaries.
Common misunderstandings
- "Publicly funded" is not the same as "state-controlled".
- State media can be factually correct and still narrowly framed.