What is Sputnik News?
Sputnik News is a Russian government-controlled news website and radio broadcast service. It was created in 2014 by the Russian government-controlled news agency Rossiya Segodnya. Sputnik presents itself as offering alternative viewpoints on world events, but it has been accused of spreading misinformation and propaganda that promotes Russian government interests.
Sputnik News has news websites oriented towards different regions, including former Soviet states, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It publishes articles and analysis in over 30 languages. It also operates an international multimedia news service through its website, news radio broadcasts, and social media presence on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Critics have accused Sputnik News of publishing misleading articles, unverified claims, and manipulated images that push the agenda and talking points of the Russian government. It has been banned from operating in some Eastern European countries over these concerns. Opponents have also accused it of helping coordinate disinformation and propaganda campaigns to influence public opinion around the world, such as by amplifying certain political messages or polarizing debates.
Sputnik News plays a role in Russia's state-controlled international media system. It promotes Russian foreign policy goals and a pro-Russian interpretation of global affairs. However, its strong bias and lack of editorial independence from the Russian government has led many observers in Western nations to view it with skepticism or as a source of misinformation.
The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Vox.com, CNN, Russia Today, News as Facts, Quickne.ws, Public Library of Science, Der Spiegel, Neon Nettle are some alternatives to Sputnik News.