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 445
70/100
Factual
65/100
Objective
549
Articles
549
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
Liga Betplay 2026: this is the table after the victory of Santa Fe against Medellín
The Liga Betplay 2026 continues to be dominated by América de Cali, which leads the league table with 27 points after 12 matches played. The team secured their position with a last-minute 2-1 victory over Llaneros in Villavicencio. Meanwhile, Independiente Santa Fe climbed to fifth place after defeating Deportivo Independiente Medellín 1-0 in a match played at Medellín’s home ground. Other notable results included Deportivo Cali’s 3-1 win against Alianza Valledupar, Atlético Bucaramanga’s 3-1 victory over Junior de Barranquilla despite playing a man down, and Cúcuta Deportivo’s 4-0 triumph over Deportivo Pereira. These outcomes reflect the ongoing competition among teams as the tournament progresses.
Santa Fe won it 1-0 overtime to Medellín and slipped into the top five.
Independiente Santa Fe defeated Deportivo Independiente Medellín 1-0 in a match played at the Estadio Metropolitano de Itagüí, securing their position among the top five teams in the Liga Betplay 2026-II standings. The goal was scored by Víctor Moreno in the 87th minute after receiving a powerful cross within the penalty area. Despite Medellín's early pressure and several chances, Santa Fe maintained their attacking intensity throughout the game. The victory brings them to 22 points, positioning them as a potential finalist for the December championships. They now lead rivals such as Millonarios, Medellín, and Deportes Tolima by one, two, and three points respectively. The match had some tense moments, including an incident where Santa Fe player Daniel Torres was struck by an object thrown from the stands during his exit from the field.
Independentists, who promise a referendum, win elections in Quebec (Canada)
The French-speaking province of Quebec, which has previously held two independence referendums in 1980 and 1995, both of which failed, the recently won provincial general elections with promises to hold another referendum on independence. The results indicate that the pro-independence Party Québécois secured the most votes, surpassing both the Liberal and Conservative parties, though it remains unclear if they will achieve a majority. Their leader, Paul Saint-Pierre Plamondon, is expected to become the new premier of Quebec. The party plans to hold a new independence referendum after former U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office in January 2029, citing ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States as a reason for the timing. Supporters of the party argue that Quebec has the democratic right to consider independence, while critics express concerns over potential economic and political vulnerabilities if Quebec were to separate. The party also advocates for reducing immigration, particularly non-French speakers, which some residents view as a populist stance.
JEP magistrate acknowledged that Timochenko 'cleaned the cemetery' of Pitalito, Huila, and arranged 'bamboo mats' as part of his sanction
A magistrate from Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) acknowledged that Rodrigo Londoño, former leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), participated in cleaning up the cemetery in Pitalito, Huila, as part of his sanction imposed by the transitional justice court for atrocities committed during his time with the armed group. According to the magistrate, Londoño and other top FARC leaders were tasked with clearing the cemetery grounds, removing bamboo plants, and assisting in excavation efforts aimed at locating missing persons. These activities took place under strict monitoring, both physically and electronically, restricting their movement within the cemetery. The magistrate explained that the sanctions imposed on these individuals include a 'restorative' component, involving five years of investigation and two and a half years of trial, followed by six restorative projects where victims participate. The sanctions aim to repair the damage caused by these individuals but involve restrictions on rights and freedoms rather than imprisonment.
These are the details of the anti-terrorist statute that the government will present to Congress
The Colombian government, led by President Abelardo de la Espriella, has finalized an anti-terrorism statute that will soon be presented to Congress. The document, prepared by the Ministry of Interior under Rodrigo Lara, defines parameters for combating illegal armed groups and classifies them as 'terrorist' organizations. It will be submitted alongside a separate law on 'sometimiento' (surrender), drafted by Justice Minister Iván Cancino. The government emphasizes a legal approach to dealing with these groups, stating that any discussions regarding surrender will be strictly judicial and devoid of political considerations. The classification of groups as terrorist would allow for more aggressive military actions against them, including bombing. The decree also states that decisions made by the president under this framework will only be reviewed by the Council of State.
Immigrant children are presented to the judges alone, at risk of deportation to the United States.
The article discusses the plight of unaccompanied migrant children in the United States who face deportation risks due to lack of legal representation. These children arrived in the U.S. without adults or had their parents detained by immigration agents and are now in shelters or under government custody. In 2025, the Trump administration attempted to cut funding for the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which supports a national network of organizations providing legal services to these minors. This move was blocked by a federal judge citing a 2008 law protecting such services. Later, the government stopped paying and allowed contracts with certain firms to expire, including Acacia Center for Justice. The administration then sought to transfer cases to Burke Law Group and Our Rescue, but both withdrew. Concerns were raised by Democratic lawmakers over the suitability of these firms to handle vulnerable children. The current executive director of Our Rescue has ties to the Trump administration. Legal advocates argue this strategy aims to complicate defense efforts amid mass deportation plans.
The vulva and vagina do not need skincare: the risks of the vulvacare trend
The article discusses the growing trend of 'vulvacare' on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where influencers promote products such as creams, oils, douches, and deodorants for the vagina and vulva, claiming they eliminate natural odors. Medical professionals, including gynecologists from the University of National and the Universidad Javeriana, warn that most of these products are ineffective and potentially harmful to the sensitive genital area. They emphasize that excessive cleaning and product use can lead to irritation, inflammation, chronic conditions, and disruption of the natural microbiome. The article highlights the importance of minimal hygiene practices and correct understanding of the differences between the vulva and vagina.
After a BTS concert, the grass of the El Campín stadium begins to recover
The article reports on the recovery process of the grass field at El Campín stadium in Bogotá, Colombia, which began after a BTS concert. The private concessionaire Sencia announced that maintenance work would continue until October 16, during which time the stadium will be unavailable for professional football matches. This has generated controversy, though Sencia claims they communicated the closure to the Football Commission. The article also mentions plans for a new stadium, with Mayor Enrique Peñalosa announcing construction starting on September 30, pushing back the opening date from 2027 to December 2028. He highlighted improvements such as a retractable roof and increased seating capacity. However, council member Juan David Quintero expressed doubts about the timeline, citing lack of financial evidence and suggesting delays may benefit the contractor.
Total EPS enables WhatsApp for users located in earthquake-affected areas
Salud Total EPS has activated a WhatsApp line to assist over 660,000 affiliated users located in the departments of Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, and Quindío, which were heavily affected by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that occurred on August 10. The service aims to streamline medical authorization processes, including medication prescriptions, consultations, and procedures, allowing users to avoid visiting physical offices, many of which remain closed due to damage from the quake. Users are instructed to update their personal information online, ensure they have their medical records and orders ready, and follow specific steps to initiate communication via WhatsApp. Once documents are submitted, confirmation will be sent to the user’s email along with a voucher specifying the healthcare provider or pharmacy where services can be accessed.
Pibe Valderrama and his fame during the concentrations of the Colombian national team
The article discusses the legacy of Carlos Valderrama, known as 'El Pibe,' during his time as captain of the Colombian national football team. It highlights his strict discipline and dedication to fitness, which allowed him to play professionally until age 42. Former teammate Óscar Córdoba shared anecdotes about Valderrama’s strict routines, such as turning off the TV at 10 PM and keeping the remote control on his chest to avoid distractions. These habits helped build Valderrama’s reputation as a disciplined leader who led Colombia through multiple World Cup qualifiers and Copa América tournaments. The piece also outlines his career stats, including 111 caps and 11 goals for the national team.
New attempted robbery on cycle route of Calle 26 tunnel with Boyacá Avenue: recorded
A theft attempt targeting a person riding an electric scooter was recorded on video during the night of October 4th in Bogotá. The incident occurred at the exit of one of the tunnels along the cycle path of Calle 26, near Avenida Boyacá. The victim, using a camera attached to their scooter, captured the event where three men blocked their path, causing them to lose control and fall. One of the suspects took the scooter and began fleeing while another approached the victim. The victim then activated a remote control device, which prevented the suspects from continuing with the scooter. The suspects fled in different directions, leaving the scooter abandoned. The incident was reported by a citizen through the X Pasa account in Bogotá, highlighting ongoing concerns about thefts and violence in the area.
Juan Valdez has a new general manager: who is he and what experience does he bring?
The Board of Directors of Procafecol, the company operating Juan Valdez stores, announced the appointment of Luis Guillermo Quintero Martínez as the new General Manager. Quintero has experience as a business administrator and marketing strategist, having previously managed the operations of the Movistar Arena in Bogotá from 2018. His career includes leadership roles at companies such as VTU, Whirlpool, Mabe, Payless ShoeSource, and Sony, where he oversaw expansion strategies and customer engagement initiatives. In his new role, Quintero faces the challenge of strengthening Juan Valdez as a globally recognized Colombian brand by enhancing its value proposition and fostering sustainable growth.
JEP acquits merchant accused of FARC links: he spent more than 12 years in prison
The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) has acquitted Javier de Jesús Cadavid Palacio, a merchant from Antioquia, who was wrongly imprisoned for over 12 years due to his alleged ties with the former FARC guerrilla group. The JEP determined that he was neither a member nor a collaborator of the FARC and overturned the 2009 conviction by ordinary justice for extortion and illicit enrichment. Cadavid owned a grocery distribution business called Distribuidora Venus and used an informal money transfer system to avoid banking infrastructure limitations and taxes. This system was allegedly exploited by Front 47 of the FARC to collect extortion payments from local residents and merchants. Ordinary courts had ruled that these funds were integrated into Cadavid’s commercial activities, leading to his conviction. However, after a review by the JEP, his sentence was revoked, and he was granted freedom.