COOwnership & classification
Founded: 1887
Ownership
El Espectador is Colombia's oldest newspaper, founded in 1887 by journalist Fidel Cano Gutiérrez and run by the Cano family for over a century. Since 1997 its controlling shareholder has been Valorem S.A. (formerly Valores Bavaria), the publicly traded holding company of the Santo Domingo family, one of Colombia's wealthiest dynasties, led by Alejandro Santo Domingo. The Cano family retains only a token minority stake of under 1%.
Funding
It is financed commercially through advertising, print sales and digital subscriptions, as part of the Valorem media portfolio that also includes the Caracol broadcasting interests. No state budget or party subsidy is involved.
Affiliation & stance
Historically a Liberal-leaning, center-left daily known for investigative journalism, it operates as a private commercial enterprise of the Santo Domingo business group with editorial independence and no party or government control. It is therefore correctly classified as INDEPENDENT (privately and commercially owned), with a center-left lean.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 357
66/100
Factual
65/100
Objective
402
Articles
396
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
President Abelardo De La Espriella delivered a report on the forest fires in Tolima: "We are fighting tirelessly"
The president of Colombia, Abelardo De La Espriella, provided an update on the ongoing wildfires in the Tolima department, emphasizing that the national government and local authorities continue to work tirelessly to contain the blazes across multiple municipalities. According to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), there are currently 13 active fires nationwide, with 11 located in Tolima and two in Cundinamarca and Norte de Santander. The president highlighted that over 300 personnel, including firefighters, civil defense teams, and military aviation units, have been deployed to combat the fires. He noted that operational progress has increased from approximately 39% to 68%, with several fires reaching nearly 100% containment. De La Espriella confirmed that investigations are underway to determine if any of the fires were deliberately caused by criminal actors, stating that those responsible would face legal consequences. He expressed gratitude to all involved in the firefighting efforts and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting natural resources and communities.
The Book of Truth: corruption in the Petro government
The article discusses the findings of 'El Libro de la Verdad,' a report by the new Colombian government under President Gustavo Petro, which highlights significant financial mismanagement and corruption allegations. The report reveals serious issues with state finances, including a large deficit, poor execution of budgets, and lack of transparency. It notes that the national treasury had only $16 billion at the end of May 2026, far below historical levels, and projected just $7.1 billion by year-end. The audit by the Comptroller General found that the limit for issuing Treasury bills was increased from 50% to 100%, with placement rates reaching 13%-15%. This led to warnings of potential asset loss and referral to the Attorney General. The article also criticizes the Ministry of Environment for failing to execute most of its budget despite promoting environmental protection, highlighting a major inconsistency in Petro's administration.
De la Espriella and businessmen agree in Barranquilla to reduce loans to 8 % after earthquake
In Barranquilla, Colombia, De la Espriella and local business leaders have reached an agreement to reduce credit rates to 8% following the recent earthquake. This decision aims to alleviate financial pressure on individuals and businesses affected by the disaster. The reduction in interest rates is expected to provide relief to those struggling to recover economically after the seismic event. The agreement reflects efforts to support economic recovery in the region impacted by the earthquake.
This seeks protection from Cepeda for the temporary suspension of peace broadcasters: Government responds
The article reports on a legal petition filed by former President Álvaro Uribe's ally, Luis Carlos Galán, seeking judicial review (tutela) against the temporary suspension of peace radio stations. The Colombian government has responded to this request, defending its actions. The suspension was implemented due to alleged violations of broadcasting regulations by these stations, which are associated with the Peace Process and have been critical of government policies. The legal challenge highlights tensions between media freedom and regulatory enforcement.
On Monday they will start rental subsidies to those who lost their house: José Manuel Restrepo
The article reports that Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced through his spokesperson, José Manuel Restrepo, that subsidies for rental assistance will begin on Monday for individuals who lost their homes. The announcement comes amid ongoing housing challenges in the country, particularly affecting vulnerable populations displaced by conflict or economic hardship. The measure aims to provide temporary financial support to those unable to afford housing, though details on eligibility criteria and funding remain unclear. The statement was made during a government briefing, with no additional information provided on the scope or duration of the program.
América de Cali is based in Bogotá: the list of matches that will play in El Campín because of the earthquake
América de Cali, uno de los equipos más afectados por el terremoto ocurrido el 10 de agosto en Colombia, no podrá jugar en su estadio Pascual Guerrero debido a la reconstrucción necesaria. Como resultado, el club solicita trasladarse a Bogotá para jugar como local en El Campín durante varios partidos. Esta decisión fue aprobada y ahora depende del 'ok' de la Comisión Local. América de Cali jugará cuatro partidos en Bogotá entre el 26 de agosto y el 14 de septiembre contra equipos como Junior de Barranquilla, Alianza FC, Deportivo Pereira y Deportivo Pasto. Aunque hay avances en la recuperación del estadio cali, aún no hay personal suficiente para organizar partidos importantes. Además, Independiente Santa Fe y Millonarios han aceptado que América juegue como local en El Campín. El próximo partido de América en esta nueva ubicación será contra Independiente Santa Fe el 22 de agosto.
This is Dmar Córdoba, the conflict denier who will lead the Memory Center
El artículo presenta a D'mar Córdoba como una figura que niega o minimiza el conflicto armado en Colombia y quien será director del Centro de Memoria, un instituto encargado de preservar la memoria histórica del país. La elección de Córdoba ha generado controversia debido a su postura sobre el conflicto, lo cual plantea preguntas sobre la objetividad y el propósito del centro. El Centro de Memoria fue creado para documentar y recordar los eventos relacionados con el conflicto interno, incluyendo las violaciones a los derechos humanos. La designación de Córdoba, cuya visión parece divergir con el objetivo principal del centro, ha sido criticada por sectores que consideran que podría afectar la credibilidad e imparcialidad del instituto.
Major company joins Colombia, One Heart, the first lady's campaign for the reconstruction of the country
In the wake of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10, 2026, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, the Group Trinity and its subsidiary Acerías Paz del Río announced significant contributions to support rescue operations and recovery efforts. The disaster resulted in 294 confirmed deaths and 81,506 damaged homes, affecting nine departments including Chocó, Valle del Cauca, and Risaralda. In response, the companies pledged to donate protective equipment and personal protective gear (PPE) to aid rescue teams working with the Colombian Red Cross. Additionally, they committed to providing 100% of the steel needed to rebuild the iconic Cathedral of Manizales. The Group Trinity also joined the 'Colombia, un solo corazón' campaign led by First Lady Ana Lucía Pineda, emphasizing solidarity and national unity during the crisis.
A sinister clown
The article discusses a clown who has been described as sinister, likely referring to a figure involved in a controversial or alarming situation. While the specific details of the incident are not provided in the excerpt, the term 'sinister' suggests that the clown's actions or presence have raised concerns or fear among people. The article appears to highlight the unsettling nature of the clown's behavior or appearance, possibly linking it to broader societal issues or local events.
Foreign Minister Bula receives new ambassadors from Israel, El Salvador, India and Kosovo
The Colombian Foreign Minister, Bula, received new ambassadors from Israel, El Salvador, India, and Kosovo. This event marks the formal recognition and establishment of diplomatic relations between Colombia and these countries. The ceremony likely involved official greetings, discussions on bilateral cooperation, and the exchange of credentials. Such meetings are standard practice in international diplomacy to formally acknowledge new diplomatic representatives. These appointments could signal shifts in Colombia’s foreign policy priorities or strengthen ties with these nations.
Gustavo Petro informed the Senate that he will leave the country between August and September: where will he go?
Gustavo Petro, the President of Colombia, has informed the Senate that he plans to leave the country between August and September. The article raises questions about his intended destination but does not provide specific details. This announcement comes amid ongoing political discussions and speculation regarding his future actions. The timing of his potential departure has sparked interest and debate among Colombian citizens and political observers.
Government explains objection to public requirements that strained relationship with Democratic Center
The Colombian government has explained its objection to public requirements that caused tension with the Centro Democrático party. The dispute appears to stem from disagreements over specific regulatory or procedural demands, which have strained relations between the two entities. The article highlights the conflict but does not provide detailed specifics on the nature of the requirements or the exact points of contention. The situation reflects broader challenges in inter-party dynamics within Colombia’s political landscape.
Abelardo de la Espriella brought forward meetings with the oil sector, what does that mean?
The article titled 'Abelardo de la Espriella adelantó reuniones con el sector petrolero, ¿qué significa?' by El Espectador discusses potential meetings between Abelardo de la Espriella, a Colombian politician, and representatives from the petroleum sector. The piece explores the implications of these meetings, likely focusing on their impact on energy policy, economic development, and environmental considerations. While the article does not provide specific details about the content of the discussions, it raises questions about the motivations behind the engagement and its potential influence on future governmental decisions related to the oil industry. The focus appears to be on analyzing the significance of such interactions within the broader context of Colombia’s energy strategy.