COOwnership & classification
Founded: 1911
Ownership
El Tiempo, Colombia's largest-circulation daily, was founded on 30 January 1911 by Alfonso Villegas Restrepo and was long associated with the Liberal Santos family (which produced two presidents). Its publisher, Casa Editorial El Tiempo, passed in 2007 to Spain's Grupo Planeta, which then sold its 55% stake in 2012 to billionaire Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo, chairman of the Grupo Aval banking conglomerate. Sarmiento subsequently bought out the remaining minority holders (including the Santos family) to become effectively the sole owner.
Funding
It is funded commercially through advertising, print circulation and digital subscriptions, backed by the financial resources of Sarmiento's Grupo Aval. There is no state funding or party subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
Once a Liberal-Party organ, it now reflects the centrist-to-center-right outlook of its owner, Colombia's richest banker. Because it is privately owned by a business magnate with no party or state control, it is classified as INDEPENDENT, though critics note the concentration of media in the hands of a single financial-group owner; lean is center-right.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 593
83/100
Factual
80/100
Objective
721
Articles
714
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
Tremors continue in Chocó: a new earthquake of 2.6 magnitude in Istmina today August 21; report from the SGC
The article reports on a minor earthquake measuring 2.6 on the Richter scale that struck the municipality of Istmina in the Chocó department of Colombia on August 21, 2026, at 21:41 local time. The event was detected by the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), which issued a bulletin detailing the seismic activity. The tremor had a shallow depth and was felt in nearby communities. Authorities have maintained emergency channels open for data collection and public reporting. The article also includes practical advice on preparing for earthquakes, such as creating an emergency plan, identifying safe zones, and having an emergency kit. It further provides instructions on activating Google’s ShakeAlert system and outlines recommended actions before, during, and after an earthquake.
From hostel to hotel: the new beginning for earthquake-affected seniors in Cali
The article reports on the efforts by the City Council of Cali and Cotelco to relocate elderly residents affected by a recent earthquake to hotels, providing them with better living conditions and support. Socorro Álvarez and her sister Margarita, who were displaced from their home in Cali, initially stayed in a temporary shelter but were later moved to a hotel as part of this initiative. The relocation aims to offer dignity, activate family networks, and ensure proper care during the emergency. The sisters expressed gratitude for the support they received in the shelter and hope for a more stable future.
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.
Uncle of triplets Saavedra clarifies that he invited former president Gustavo Petro to his family's farewell Eucharist: 'Our personal friend'
Carlos Héctor Saavedra Cardona, tío de las trillizas Saavedra y hermano del fallecido Jairo Saavedra, negó que la presencia del expresidente Gustavo Petro en la eucaristía de despedida de su familia fuera un acto político. En un comunicado, Saavedra aclaró que fue él quien invitó a Petro, destacando que el exmandatario era 'nuestro amigo personal'. Señaló que aunque dentro de la familia existen diferencias políticas, estas no deben interpretarse como desunión. Además, mencionó que su núcleo familiar se identifica con posiciones progresistas y que la ceremonia religiosa fue respetuosa y solemne.
Abelardo De La Espriella met with the country's largest businessmen in Barranquilla, where they will lower interest rates and visit the Chocó
President Abelardo De La Espriella met with major Colombian businessmen in Barranquilla to discuss reconstruction efforts after a devastating earthquake. The meeting included entrepreneurs such as Luis Carlos Sarmiento, Jaime and Gabriel Gilinski, and others. De La Espriella requested that banks reduce housing loan interest rates to 8% effective annual rate for disaster victims, a move supported by the business leaders. He also announced plans to travel to Chocó to develop an integrated recovery and transformation plan for the region, which has historically been neglected. The president emphasized that reconstruction should not just restore what was lost but also address historical inequalities and build a better country.
Heavy clashes between illegal armed groups are frightening the inhabitants of Linares, Nariño, who remain confined to their homes
On August 22, 2026, intense clashes between two illegal armed groups occurred in rural areas of Linares, Nariño, prompting local residents to remain confined in their homes out of fear. The National Army has deployed troops from the Light Infantry Battalion No. 9 of the Twenty-Third Brigade to the regions of Tabiles and Tambillo de Bravos to manage the situation. According to military reports, the conflict arises from disputes over mobility corridors used for illicit economies. The Colombian Air Force is conducting reconnaissance flights to restore security and protect communities. Local residents, including farmers in areas like La Cocha, Bella Florida, and El Tablón, have expressed significant concern through social media, describing the constant sounds of gunfire and the impact on daily life. A local community leader suggested the fighting involves dissidents of the FARC and the United Self-Defense Forces of Nariño (AUN), who are competing for drug trafficking routes. Authorities have yet to report casualties or injuries, while civilians call for guaranteed safety and peaceful coexistence. Additionally, concerns over wildfires have added to the region’s instability.
Ana María, the only member of the Saavedra family who survived the 7.4 earthquake, responded to Gustavo Petro after attending mass in Cali: 'Respect'
Ana María Saavedra Caicedo, la única sobreviviente de su familia tras el terremoto de 7,4 en Cali, respondió públicamente a una publicación del ex-presidente Gustavo Petro sobre la misa fúnebre de sus padres y hermanas. La joven criticó que la ceremonia fúnebre fuera vinculada con asuntos políticos y rechazó cualquier conexión con partidos políticos. Petro había compartido en redes sociales su participación en la misa y describió a la familia como 'progresista', lo cual generó controversia. Ana María pidió respeto hacia el duelo de su familia y la retirada del mensaje, argumentando que la ceremonia era un acto privado. La publicación de Petro también incluía comentarios sobre el rescate y la labor de jóvenes y rescatistas mexicanos.
The other tragedy: trying to protect what was left from the roof of looters in Cali, after the most terrifying earthquake in a decade
The article describes the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Cali, Colombia, which destroyed the Molino Rojo apartment hotel, built by two elderly residents, Marleny Cuenca and Paulo Antonio Cárdenas. The quake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, caused significant damage, affecting 8,600 properties in the city. While the owners were relieved that no more lives were lost, they faced the emotional and financial loss of their life’s work. Compounding their tragedy, armed criminals looted the damaged building during the initial days of chaos, further highlighting the vulnerability of victims in the wake of natural disasters.
Worrying record of forest fires: UNGRD warns of emergency in Colombia
Colombia is currently facing a significant wildfire season, with multiple regions under alert due to active fires. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) reported 13 active wildfires across the country as of August 22, down from 25 recorded just days earlier. Most of these fires are concentrated in the department of Tolima, which has been heavily impacted by the blazes, affecting thousands of hectares and causing simultaneous emergencies in several municipalities. Environmental conditions such as lack of rainfall and high temperatures have exacerbated the situation, making firefighting efforts more challenging. Authorities have called for increased resources like back-pack fire pumps and specialized personnel to address the difficulties in accessing remote areas affected by the fires.
End to the blockade in the north of Antioquia: Army neutralizes cylinder with explosive in the road Medellín Ituango
After nearly 48 hours of tension, Colombian authorities successfully neutralized an explosive device installed by rebel groups along the road connecting Medellín to Ituango in Antioquia. The operation, carried out by military units including specialized infantry and canine teams, restored traffic on the corridor without affecting civilians or infrastructure. Governor Andrés Julián Rendón praised the soldiers' bravery and acknowledged the threat posed by armed groups linked to former FARC dissidents. Military officials noted that such tactics aim to distract from ongoing operations against other rebel structures.
The mother of General (r.) José Luis Esparza died after a month in the ICU: a rapist attack in Bucaramanga had a fatal outcome
Raquel Guerrero, una mujer de 84 años y madre del general retirado del Ejército Nacional José Luis Esparza, falleció tras sufrir lesiones graves durante un robo violento en Bucaramanga, Colombia. El incidente ocurrió cuando un hombre montado en una motocicleta la atacó por la espalda, causándole un trauma severo al caer al piso. Las cámaras de seguridad capturaron el momento del ataque, lo cual ayudó a identificar la motocicleta utilizada y al sospechoso, quien fue capturado en el barrio Bavaria II. Durante la detención, se encontró en su posesión una pistola oculta. El sospechoso tiene un historial criminal significativo, incluyendo delitos relacionados con armas, drogas y violencia familiar. La Fiscalía ahora considerará agregar el delito de homicidio al caso abierto contra él.
Alias Bairon, alleged member of the support network of the 'Adán Izquierdo' front, fell after the attack on the Police substation in El Cerrito
In August 2026, Colombian authorities captured a man identified as 'alias Bairon' in the municipality of El Cerrito, Valle del Cauca. The arrest followed an attack on a police station by the armed group 'Adán Izquierdo.' During the operation, officers discovered a rifle loader and 14 rounds of ammunition, which are restricted to military use. The suspect attempted to bribe the officers with 1 million pesos to avoid capture, an act reported to judicial authorities. Preliminary investigations suggest he was part of a support network for the remnants of 'Adán Izquierdo,' aiding in intelligence gathering and logistics for illegal armed groups. Authorities have increased security measures in the region and urged citizens to report suspicious activities through emergency channels.
Abelardo De La Espriella's government announced that Colombia will resume coal exports to Israel after the suspension in 2024
The Colombian government under President Abelardo De La Espriella has announced the resumption of coal exports to Israel after they were suspended during the previous administration led by Gustavo Petro. The decision follows a suspension implemented in June 2024 in response to Israeli actions in Gaza, which impacted Colombia’s main market for coal. According to Fenalcarbón, the suspension reduced annual coal exports to Israel by approximately 3.5 million tons, valued at around $200 million. While the new government has authorized the restart of exports, industry representatives warn that recovering the lost market share will be difficult due to increased competition from South Africa and Israel’s shift toward using natural gas. The move is part of broader efforts to restore coal production and exports, as well as strengthen commercial ties with Israel.