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 Right
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 209
86/100
Factual
81/100
Objective
383
Articles
383
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Migration, poverty and inequality: the challenges to be discussed by world leaders in New York
Government of Colombia sends new flight with humanitarian aid for those affected by earthquakes in Venezuela
Sleep informed with the keys to this July 2, 2026
Desobediencia civil en el “Arca de Noé”
What the vote of almost 20,000 students tells us about Colombian democracy
The idea of the "voto fusil" stigmatizes the peripheries of Colombia
El Valle and Cauca, the regions most bled by the slain FARC dissident alias Marlon: who was this man in the armed group?
Jorge Barón dusted off conversation with Abelardo de la Espriella before his presidential aspiration: Three years ago
Educating to obey or to transform: the visions of the two candidates
Recent coverage
Lily Cristo, mother of journalist Julio Sánchez Cristo, has died: this is how the news came out
The article reports on the death of Lily Cristo, wife of Julio Sánchez Vanegas and mother of journalist Julio Sánchez Cristo, who was announced by her son through a social media post. The piece highlights her role within the influential Sánchez Cristo family, which has had a significant impact on Colombian media history. It notes her support for her husband’s career and her indirect influence on the media landscape. The article also mentions the recent passing of Julio Sánchez Vanegas, who was a pioneering figure in Colombian television and radio, and references the legacy of the family's contributions to journalism and entertainment.
Drama for a child wounded by gunshots in Buenaventura to find a hospital in Cali, amid health collapse: 'There was no quota or ambulances'
A 16-year-old boy named Alberto was shot twice in the neighborhood of Juan XXIII in Buenaventura, Colombia, leaving him critically injured. The incident occurred on June 29, and he was initially treated at the Santa Sofía del Pacífico clinic but remains in critical condition. His family stated he was visiting his girlfriend in the area and had not lived there. Due to the severity of his injuries, he needed urgent transfer to a more advanced hospital in Cali. However, the healthcare system in Cali is currently overwhelmed due to financial issues faced by health insurance providers (EPS), which have stopped paying for services at public and private hospitals. This has led to overcrowding, closures of specialized units, and hospitals operating beyond capacity. The situation highlights the broader crisis in Colombia’s healthcare infrastructure.
Alert in Barranquilla and Soledad for anonymous call against extortion: merchants denounce pressures to close their businesses
An anonymous call to action circulated online, prompting authorities in Barranquilla and Soledad, Colombia, to raise alerts. The message encourages merchants to participate in a demonstration against extortion and criminal groups, but no organization has publicly claimed responsibility. Some merchants have reported receiving threatening calls and leaflets urging them to join the event and close their businesses. Police have not identified who is behind the initiative and are investigating whether any formal group is involved. This comes amid ongoing concerns over extortion and criminal activity affecting local businesses in these cities.
Who are the new faces in the cabinet of Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder?
The article reports on the reshuffle of key positions in the administration of Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali, Colombia. The changes were made after consultations with various city sectors and aim to strengthen the execution of strategic projects outlined in the 2024-2027 Development Plan. Seven positions were replaced, including the Director of Planning, Infrastructure Secretary, and Urban Renewal Director. New appointees include Vanessa López Roja, Nigeria Rentería, Daniel Montoya Ossa, and Mauricio Bonilla Guerrero, each bringing extensive experience in their respective fields. The article highlights the qualifications and backgrounds of these new officials but does not provide commentary on the political implications of the changes.
Con reglas definidas, Restrepo y Ávila llegan a la primera reunión de empalme
The transition between Colombia's outgoing and incoming governments has officially begun with the first meeting between Germán Ávila, the current Minister of Finance, and José Manuel Restrepo, the designated representative of the new government. The process starts amid President Gustavo Petro's absence on a trip to Italy and as Congress prepares to begin a new legislative term. Restrepo had previously outlined six conditions for the transition, emphasizing that it should not be limited to a 'simple transfer of documents.' These included appointing two officials per ministry as liaisons, establishing a schedule for meetings, creating mechanisms to track information, defining handling procedures for sensitive data, extending the transition until July 27, and involving the Office of the Attorney General and the Comptroller General. In response, Ávila confirmed the government would initiate the transition in an 'ordered, transparent, responsible, and respectful' manner. The government issued a directive outlining the rules for the transition, including forming a committee, setting up work plans, sectoral subcommittees, working tables, and recording all meetings. The team accompanying副总
The mysterious death of a man in southern Cali: hypotheses about his death by falling from the sixth floor of a building are being investigated
A man died after falling from the sixth floor of an apartment building in southern Cali, Colombia. The incident occurred on July 2, and authorities are investigating several hypotheses regarding his death. One possibility is that he lost his balance and fell accidentally. Another theory suggests he might have been pushed by someone living with him. A third hypothesis explores whether he was experiencing a psychological crisis requiring professional support. The victim was reportedly with a family member at the time. This case has drawn parallels to a previous incident involving a 17-year-old student who fell from the fifth floor of a university building in April. Following that tragedy, the university activated mental health protocols for students and staff. Local authorities have emphasized the availability of free psychological support services for those affected by such incidents.
The disturbing video of a man who claimed to have killed four boys and a girl in Medellín: he was hospitalized for a mental illness
A man in Medellín, Colombia, posted a disturbing video on social media claiming he had sexually abused four children and killed one. The video, which went viral, showed him making threatening remarks and revealing his apartment location in San Antonio de Prado. Local authorities, including Mayor Federico Gutiérrez, responded swiftly by dispatching police to the area. They discovered the man had serious mental health issues and arranged for his immediate hospitalization at a mental health facility in San Cristóbal through the Metrosalud network. The mayor emphasized that the intervention was aimed at preventing any potential tragedy.
Grand Referendum for the Regions takes shape for 2027: former constituents join the offensive against centralism
The article discusses a proposal by Colombian Governor Eduardo Verano to hold a national referendum in 2027 on regional autonomy, aiming to give regions more control over decisions related to infrastructure, education, health, and development. The initiative has gained support from former members of the 1991 Constitutional Assembly and is tied to the anniversary of Colombia’s Constitution. The referendum would ask citizens whether they want a country composed of autonomous regions with greater fiscal and administrative powers. The proposal seeks to implement articles 306 and 307 of the constitution, which outline regional organization. Verano emphasizes the need for a 'clean path' to achieve this goal, highlighting the importance of local decision-making over centralized authority.
Police stop car in Boyacá with two calves inside; apparently they were stolen: indignation over animal abuse
In Boyacá, Colombian police intercepted a vehicle on the Tibasosa–Sogamoso road containing two calves, which authorities suspect were stolen. The animals were placed under police custody while investigations continue to determine their origin and the circumstances of their transportation. The incident sparked public outrage over alleged animal cruelty. Police have called for anyone who recognizes the calves or has information about their owners to come forward. The case highlights concerns about illegal livestock trafficking and potential violations of traffic regulations.
Ivan Mordisco dissidents fall for extortion and kidnappings in the Cauca: one of them threatened to kill a teacher if he did not give him $ 25 million
The article reports on two arrests made by Colombian authorities in Cauca department, targeting members of FARC dissidents. One suspect, known as 'Gordo,' was captured in El Tambo and accused of orchestrating extortion and drug trafficking, including threatening a teacher with death if she did not pay $25 million. The other, 'Leoncio,' was arrested in Corinto and linked to kidnappings of a merchant in Miranda and an farmer in Padilla, where he allegedly oversaw victims during captivity and negotiated ransom payments. Both were detained under judicial orders, with evidence collected for further legal proceedings.
Alert in Getsemani: Cartagena district intervenes building after apparent collapse of a balcony and notifies possible sanctions to owner
In Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias, a balcony made of iron and concrete collapsed onto a vehicle on Calle Larga during the day, causing significant material damage but no injuries. The incident has reignited concerns about the structural safety of historic buildings in the city, particularly those owned by private entities. Authorities, including the District Administrative Department of Health (Dadis), have intervened to secure the area, remove debris, and formally notify the property owner. The Municipality has coordinated with multiple agencies, including the Office of Risk Management and the Institute of Heritage and Culture, to assess the building’s condition and issue technical recommendations. The property owner faces potential legal action if repairs are not completed promptly.
Venezuela ya suma 1.430 muertos por terremoto
A powerful double earthquake measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck the central coast of Venezuela, resulting in over 1,430 deaths and 3,328 injuries. The tremors triggered more than 130 aftershocks, some exceeding magnitude 6. The most affected state, La Guaira, remains under military control with restricted access and limited media presence. International rescue teams from at least eleven countries, including 63 Colombian rescuers, have arrived in Venezuela with humanitarian aid. The United Nations has emphasized coordination through the Venezuelan government to avoid duplication of efforts. Damage includes collapsed buildings, trapped people and animals, and disruptions to communications and infrastructure across several states. The US Geological Survey estimates economic losses could reach up to 7% of Venezuela’s GDP, with a 41% chance of fatalities ranging between 10,000 and 100,000. Venezuela’s interim president announced a $200 million reconstruction fund and suspended non-essential activities. Colombia confirmed 24 Colombian nationals died in the disaster, with 47 others, including 19 child athletes, repatriated.
Front men 'Luis Carlos Cárdenas Arbeláez' of the Eln incinerated a tractomula on the road from Buga to Buenaventura, Valle: what is known
On July 3, 2026, armed men reportedly affiliated with the ELN's 'Luis Carlos Cárdenas Arbeláez' front incinerated the cab of a truck traveling between Yumbo and Buenaventura in the Valle del Cauca department. The incident occurred early morning along the road connecting Buga to Buenaventura. According to police reports, the driver was unharmed. The Valle Police Department confirmed the presence of the ELN front in the area and emphasized ongoing efforts to investigate and secure the region. Authorities have urged citizens to report any related incidents through designated hotlines.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.