CLOwnership & classification
Founded: 1950
Ownership
La Tercera is a Santiago daily founded on 7 July 1950 (as La Tercera de la Hora) by the Picó Cañas family. It is published by Consorcio Periodístico de Chile S.A. (COPESA), one of Chile's two dominant press groups, which has been controlled since the late 1980s by businessman Álvaro Saieh and his associates; Saieh held roughly 83% and by 2019 bought out remaining minority holders, consolidating control.
Funding
It is financed commercially through advertising, print sales and digital subscriptions, as part of the COPESA group's print and online portfolio. It is not state-funded.
Affiliation & stance
La Tercera's editorial line is broadly centre-right / liberal-conservative. Although owned by a powerful private conglomerate whose owner (Saieh) has banking and political-financing interests, it operates as a commercial, privately owned newspaper rather than a party or state organ, so it is classified INDEPENDENT (with the caveat of concentrated owner influence).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 1062
83/100
Factual
75/100
Objective
1450
Articles
1450
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
Trump approves firing of shooter at military base that claimed 13 lives
The U.S. president, Donald Trump, has approved the execution by firing squad of Nidal Malik Hasan, a former Army major convicted of killing thirteen people and injuring thirty-two during a 2009 shooting at Fort Hood military base in Texas. The decision was confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who stated that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recommended the execution, which Trump approved. Hasan, then an Army psychiatrist, opened fire at a soldier processing center at Fort Hood, shouting 'Allahu Akbar' during the attack. He was convicted in 2013 of thirteen counts of premeditated murder and thirty-two counts of attempted premeditated murder. The military court declared him guilty, though he acted as his own defense attorney. The Army secretary will now determine the date and location of the execution. Hasan had previously maintained contacts with radical cleric Anwar al Awlaki, a prominent figure in Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
Life imprisonment for the murder of a young influencer Javiera Jiménez Galleguillos
A court in Antofagasta, Chile, unanimously sentenced Andrés Sutar Araya to life imprisonment for the murder of his former partner, Javiera Jiménez Galleguillos, a young social media influencer. The crime occurred in August 2022, when the accused traveled to Antofagasta to meet her, leading to a confrontation that ended with her death, dismemberment, and burial in a remote desert area. The prosecution’s case was fully accepted by the court, which emphasized the evidence gathered by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the homicide investigation unit of the National Police Investigations Directorate (PDI). Araya had already been serving a 16-year sentence for two separate robberies involving violence and intimidation. He was arrested in Bolivia in January 2024 and extradited to Chile. The life sentence will begin after he completes his existing 16-year term.
Nicolás Córdova breaks the silence after the controversial exit of Núñez de la Roja: "I found out when I was going to training"
Chilean national team coach Nicolás Córdova addressed the controversy surrounding the departure of midfielder Marcelino Núñez from the squad after the loss to the United States. Núñez left the training camp following a disagreement with Córdova and returned to England. Córdova stated he learned of Núñez’s decision the morning after the match against the U.S., explaining that Núñez trained with the team before leaving. The coach emphasized that Núñez made this choice independently and refused to speculate further, stating that it was a personal decision. Córdova acknowledged the unusual nature of a player leaving during a tournament but stressed the team remains focused on their upcoming game against Mexico.
Ex-Undersecretary of Women Daniela Castro resigns from RN almost four months after leaving the government
Daniela Castro, quien fue exsubsecretaria de la Mujer y Equidad de Género bajo el gobierno del presidente José Antonio Kast, anunció su renuncia a Renovación Nacional (RN) un mes después de ser destituida de su cargo en junio. Su salida se debió a desencuentros con la ministra Judith Marín, incluyendo disputas por protagonismo, roces entre equipos y diferencias sobre desvinculaciones internas. La presidenta del Senado, Paulina Núñez, había pedido la mediación de Kast en las tensiones entre Castro y Marín, pero esto resultó en la salida de Castro. Castro, quien también es abogada y magíster en Derecho Público, anunció su renuncia a través de Instagram, mostrando su certificado de desafiliación emitido por el Servicio Electoral. En su mensaje, Castro destacó la importancia de las personas y sus familias, expresando tristeza pero tranquilidad por haber actuado según sus convicciones.
The government of setbacks: Opposition raises criticism against Kast after 86% cut to program associated with the Cholito Law
The Chilean opposition has criticized President José Antonio Kast's proposed 2027 budget law, which includes an 86% cut to the Responsible Pet Ownership Program (PTRAC) linked to the 'Cholito Law' enacted in 2017. The program funds initiatives such as vaccinations, sterilizations, microchip implantation, and veterinary care for pets. Critics argue this reduction undermines efforts to improve animal welfare and public safety, citing programs like 'Mascotas en Buenas Maneras' that have achieved significant results. Opposition leaders, including Regional Governor Claudio Orrego and lawmakers Gustavo Gatica and Jaime Araya, accuse Kast of reversing policies he previously opposed, labeling his administration as one of 'retrogressions.'
Boric's End to Streets Without Violence: Kast's turn against Tohá and the Government
The government under President José Antonio Kast has decided to end the 'Calles sin Violencia' initiative, which was originally designed during the administration of Gabriel Boric, and replace it with a new strategy called 'Plan FOCO' starting in 2027. The budget proposal eliminates funding specifically allocated to 'Calles sin Violencia,' while significantly increasing resources for 'Plan FOCO,' which will see a 112.8% increase in funding compared to 2026. This change has sparked criticism from former Interior and Public Security Minister Carolina Tohá, who defended the previous plan’s effectiveness and criticized the decision as a weak political maneuver if it merely involves renaming the program. According to the Subsecretaría de Seguridad Pública, the shift represents a reformulation rather than a reduction in security efforts, and it was developed in collaboration with other ministries to address concerns raised by oversight agencies.
Carmona (PC) accuses open intervention of the US in elections in the region after results in Brazil
Lautaro Carmona, president of Chile's Communist Party (PC), accused the United States of openly intervening in Latin American elections after analyzing the recent Brazilian election results. He noted that former President Donald Trump's administration had allegedly used communication strategies to influence voter perception and discredit opposing candidates. Carmona emphasized that the U.S. has historically treated Latin America as its 'backyard,' influencing regional elections. He warned that if leftist candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva fails to win in Brazil’s second-round vote on October 25, it could lead to significant consequences, though he did not specify what those would be. Carmona acknowledged the rise of right-wing forces but refrained from outright criticism, suggesting further study was needed.
The dollar records its biggest drop in more than a year after the government's announcement of selling dollars
The Chilean peso experienced its largest single-day decline in over a year after the government announced plans to sell dollars. The dollar fell by $19.50 to reach $972.50 per unit, marking its biggest drop since April 9, 2025. This followed five consecutive days of gains, during which the dollar had risen by $31.85. Over the past eight weeks, the currency had been steadily increasing by $79.80. However, the dollar reached a low of $969.60 before stabilizing slightly. Earlier in the day, the dollar had peaked at $994.90 amid global volatility driven by the weakness of the euro. The European currency hit an eight-month low against the dollar due to concerns about France’s ability to manage its budget deficit and fears of a repeat of the sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar index rose 0.21% to 102.15 points, its highest level since April 10, 2025. Analysts noted increased risk aversion and demand for safe-haven assets, benefiting the dollar and increasing volatility in emerging market currencies, particularly influenced by uncertainty around upcoming elections in Brazil. The government’s decision to sell up to $600 million worth of dollars weekly starting
LED case: former municipal lawyer convicted of bribery in Iquique
A Chilean court has convicted former municipal lawyer Rubén Guisa Castro of aggravated bribery related to corruption during the 2017–2018 LED lighting project tender in Iquique. The conviction is part of the broader 'LED case,' which involves multiple individuals and companies linked to improper conduct in public procurement. Guisa Castro was found guilty of accepting money in exchange for influencing the approval of the LED lighting contract. His actions were uncovered through intercepted phone calls and testimony from police investigators. Daniela Vargas Barbaric, who worked in the municipal planning department, was acquitted. This brings the total number of people convicted in the investigation to 15, including managers from Itelecom and ELEC, former council members, and other public and private officials. The trial involved charges such as bribery, breach of confidentiality, money laundering, illegal association, and tax violations. Of the 21 accused, 11 have been convicted through abbreviated procedures, including the Itelecom holding company.
Commission of inquiry into Cerimedo case to invite Matthei, Vallejo, Jara and representatives of Google, Meta and X
The Special Investigative Commission (CEI) in Chile's Chamber of Deputies has agreed to invite several prominent figures and representatives from major technology companies to discuss issues related to disinformation, algorithmic manipulation, and the use of artificial intelligence tools. The commission, which is investigating digital campaigns and their impact, initially faced the absence of Minister of the Interior Claudio Alvarado, who was attending to presidential duties in the Aysén region. After discussions, the commission decided to reschedule his participation. Several deputies proposed expanding the list of invited guests, including Evelyn Matthei, Camila Vallejo, Jeannette Jara, and representatives from Google, Meta, and X. Other names suggested include journalists, cybersecurity experts, and individuals linked to digital campaign research.
Calls, accounts and demands: the last hours of the candidates fighting for the seat of the ANFP
The article discusses the upcoming election for the presidency of the Chilean Football Association (ANFP), which will take place on November 19th. The new SADP law requires organizational changes, particularly increasing the role of the Chilean Football Federation. The process began with clubs receiving guidelines on September 25th, and the deadline for submitting candidate lists was October 6th at 11:59 PM. Each list must include seven members, including positions like president, vice-president, and treasurer, with three additional directors. Candidates must have experience as club presidents or directors, and each list must include a woman. Three candidates, Lorenzo Antillo, Jorge Uauy, and César Villegas, have publicly announced their intention to run, while Jorge Yunge, the current secretary general, has recently decided to run despite retiring from competition months ago. Villegas is using social media as part of his campaign strategy, though the impact remains unclear since fans do not vote. He addressed concerns about speculation regarding his credibility and emphasized transparency and independence.
Brazilian markets soar after elections and the Ipsa is infected with optimism
Brazilian financial markets surged after the first round of the presidential election, where right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) emerged as the leading candidate with 47.03% of valid votes, narrowly edging out former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), who received 45.16%. Both candidates will face off in a runoff on October 25, though historically, the second-place finisher has never won in such contests. The São Paulo Stock Exchange’s Bovespa index rose sharply by 7.85%, breaking through the 200,000-point mark. Brazilian stocks like Petrobras, Vale, Itaú Unibanco, and Bradesco saw significant gains. Meanwhile, Chile’s IPSA stock market index also rose 1.9% as investors reacted positively to the election outcome, despite a weak start for Wall Street. Analysts noted that the results could benefit regional economies, including Chile, through improved economic conditions and currency appreciation.
Use of chatbots in Chile doubles in two years and exceeds 60% of the population
The article reports on the rapid growth of chatbot usage in Chile, highlighting data from the 2026 Digital Citizenship Index by the Fundación País Digital and Mundo Telecomunicaciones. It states that chatbot adoption has doubled in two years, increasing from 29.9% in 2024 to 60.4% in 2026. The report breaks down usage patterns, noting that 13.6% use them daily, while others use them weekly or occasionally. Popular platforms include Chat GPT, Gemini, and Meta, with users employing chatbots for information searches, work tasks, study, and entertainment. The article also notes demographic trends, such as higher usage among younger people (ages 18–20), men over women, and individuals in higher socioeconomic groups. It emphasizes the need for digital inclusion and education, particularly for older adults and lower-income populations.