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Semana

COVisit website

IndependentLean Right

Ownership & classification

Independent

Founded: 1982

Ownership

The newsweekly Semana was relaunched in 1982 by journalist Felipe López Caballero (reviving a title that had run 1946-1960 under former president Alberto Lleras Camargo) and was controlled by López for nearly four decades. In 2019 billionaire banker Jaime Gilinski Bacal acquired 50% of Grupo Semana, and in November 2020 the Gilinski Group bought out the remaining shareholders to take 100% control. The Gilinski Group is a Colombian banking and corporate conglomerate (Banco GNB Sudameris, Lulo Bank, a large stake in Grupo Nutresa).

Funding

It is financed commercially through advertising, magazine sales and digital subscriptions, underpinned by its owner's banking and industrial conglomerate.

Affiliation & stance

After the Gilinski takeover, a wave of journalist resignations accompanied a marked editorial shift to the right, and the magazine became closely aligned with conservative interests and figures like director Vicky Dávila. Although privately owned rather than party- or state-run, the heavy proprietorial steering toward a partisan, owner-aligned line makes its independence contested; on the file's INDEPENDENT/DEPENDENT axis it is best described as a private outlet whose owner exercises strong editorial influence, with a center-right to right lean.

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Editorial lean

Our estimate
Lean Right
Measured from coverage
Centerbased on 596

82/100

Factual

78/100

Objective

1241

Articles

1241

reports

Recent coverage

Colombia entered the top: the best universities in Latin America to study in 2027, according to QS
CO🏛️ Politics
8 hr. ago

Colombia entered the top: the best universities in Latin America to study in 2027, according to QS

The article discusses the latest QS World University Rankings 2027, highlighting the performance of universities across Latin America. It notes that several institutions have entered the rankings for the first time, reflecting growth in educational quality. Colombian universities, specifically the Universidad de los Andes and the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, are highlighted as among the top-performing institutions in the region, with the former ranked 233 globally and the latter at 293. The piece emphasizes the stability of traditional top-ranked universities and the increasing international recognition of Latin American institutions.

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Lily Cristo, mother of journalist Julio Sánchez Cristo, has died: this is how the news came out
CO🏛️ Politics
8 hr. ago

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.

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Ukraine reports two dead after night attacks by Russia, with the death toll in Kiev rising to 30.
World🏛️ Politics
8 hr. ago

Ukraine reports two dead after night attacks by Russia, with the death toll in Kiev rising to 30.

At least two people were killed and eight injured in Russian air strikes on the Sumy region and Kryvyj Rih in Ukraine during the night of Thursday to Friday, according to Ukrainian authorities. This follows a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv earlier in the week which killed at least 30 people and injured around 100 others. In response to the attacks, Ukraine conducted missile strikes on Belgorod in Russia, causing a fire at an energy facility and killing one woman, according to Russian media. The overnight strike on the city of Romny in the Sumy region hit a residential building, killing two women and injuring a man, reported regional administrator Oleh Hryhorov via Telegram. Another seven people were injured in a missile strike on Kryvyj Rih, according to military city administrator Oleksandr Vilkul. In Kyiv, teams discovered three more dead bodies during the night, bringing the total number of victims to 30, according to Reuters citing Ukrainian health authorities. Kyiv's military administrator Tymur Tkačenko stated that the attack injured 99 people. Moscow claimed the extensive attack was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including those carried

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Call between Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump: the Colombian president asked for his exit from the Clinton list
CO🏛️ Politics
8 hr. ago

Call between Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump: the Colombian president asked for his exit from the Clinton list

Presidente Gustavo Petro de Colombia y Presidente Donald Trump sostuvieron una llamada telefónica el 3 de julio, durante periodos de tensión entre ambos países debido a las sospechas de intervención estadounidense en asuntos colombianos. Durante la conversación, Petro informó a Trump sobre el avance del programa de erradicación de cultivos ilícitos, alcanzando casi 30.000 hectáreas y previendo llegar a 41.000 para finales de 2026. Petro también solicitó la colaboración de EE.UU. para continuar el programa y pidió formalmente la remoción de Colombia y varios funcionarios colombianos de la lista Ofac, acusada de vinculación con el narcotráfico. Trump expresó su intención de ayudar en dicha solicitud y comprometerse con el nuevo gobierno colombiano. Petro, por su parte, criticó la falta de conocimiento de Trump sobre su postura contra Abelardo De La Espriella y destacó que él y su familia aún están en la lista Ofac.

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Bogota will deliver a million-dollar subsidy for housing improvements: here's how to apply
CO🏛️ Politics
9 hr. ago

Bogota will deliver a million-dollar subsidy for housing improvements: here's how to apply

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Who are the new faces in the cabinet of Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder?
CO🏛️ Politics
9 hr. ago

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.

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Only one in two adolescents access secondary education: the challenge facing the next government
CO🏛️ Politics
9 hr. ago

Only one in two adolescents access secondary education: the challenge facing the next government

The article discusses the significant challenge of low secondary education enrollment in Colombia, highlighting that only 51% of adolescents in the appropriate age group are enrolled. This issue is identified as a major concern for the next government. The report by the University Icesi’s Observatory of Educational Realities points out that many students drop out due to factors like seasonal labor mobility rather than permanent disengagement. The Foundation Barco evaluates its initiative ESCALA in six rural regions, identifying structural challenges such as outdated measurement systems and lack of motivation among students. In some areas, less than 40% of students see education as a viable alternative due to economic, geographic, and safety barriers.

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Con reglas definidas, Restrepo y Ávila llegan a la primera reunión de empalme
CO🏛️ Politics
9 hr. ago

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

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4 sources38 officialviaSemana logoSemana
No runways or airports: the aircraft that promise to land in Colombia's rivers and lakes
CO🏛️ Politics
9 hr. ago

No runways or airports: the aircraft that promise to land in Colombia's rivers and lakes

ALMA Air, una nueva aerolínea en Colombia, busca reintroducir los hidroaviones al país después de más de 70 años sin operaciones regulares. La empresa está en proceso de obtener la certificación necesaria de la Aeronáutica Civil para poder ofrecer vuelos comerciales, aunque hasta ahora solo ha compartido detalles sobre su proyecto. El objetivo principal es mejorar la conectividad en zonas remotas y fomentar el turismo mediante servicios como aerotaxis, vuelos turísticos y traslados privados. Los hidroaviones podrían aterrizar en ríos, lagos e islas, lo que permitiría acceder a destinos con poca infraestructura aérea. Entre las rutas consideradas se incluyen Medellín-Guatapé, Cartagena-Mompox y otros puntos estratégicos. Además de impulsar el turismo, la iniciativa busca mejorar la conectividad en comunidades aisladas y generar oportunidades económicas.

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In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
World🏛️ Politics
9 hr. ago

In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.

The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the

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139 sources69 officialviaSemana logoSemana
One of the best country trays in Antioquia is in this town: it's not Medellín or Envigado
CO🎭 Culture
9 hr. ago

One of the best country trays in Antioquia is in this town: it's not Medellín or Envigado

The article highlights Santa Fe de Antioquia as a notable destination for experiencing traditional Colombian cuisine, specifically the 'bandeja paisa,' a iconic dish from the region. While many associate this dish with cities like Medellín or Envigado, the article emphasizes that Santa Fe de Antioquia is gaining recognition for its authentic preparation of the meal. The town is described as having a warm climate, colonial architecture, and a strong culinary tradition that attracts both tourists and locals. Several restaurants in the area, such as La Comedia, are noted for their generous portions and adherence to traditional recipes. In addition to food, the article mentions other tourist attractions in Santa Fe, including historic sites, museums, and the famous Puente de Occidente bridge.

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J Balvin will open the Opening Weekend of Colombiamoda 2026 with a parade that reinterprets the Colombian artisanal luxury
CO🎭 Culture
9 hr. ago

J Balvin will open the Opening Weekend of Colombiamoda 2026 with a parade that reinterprets the Colombian artisanal luxury

Colombia's fashion week, Colombiamoda, is expanding its programming for 2026 to include a full week of events from July 25 to 31, featuring an 'Opening Weekend' designed to enhance dialogue between fashion, entertainment, and culture. This year's event will be inaugurated by Colombian singer J Balvin through his collaboration with designer Juan David Vélez under the project 'Artisan Gang in The City.' The collection aims to reinterpret Colombian artisanal luxury through themes of identity, territory, and transformation. J Balvin has been actively involved in shaping the conceptual framework of the project, blending urban aesthetics with elements of Colombian and Latin American imagery. This marks the fourth collaboration between the musician and Vélez, with Balvin playing a central role beyond being a brand ambassador.

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Lottery La Antioqueñita Day and Afternoon: winning results for Friday, July 3, 2026
CO⚽ Sports
9 hr. ago

Lottery La Antioqueñita Day and Afternoon: winning results for Friday, July 3, 2026

The article reports on the results of the Lotería La Antioqueñita lottery draw held on Friday, July 3, 2026. It mentions that the morning draw had a winning number of 1412 and a fifth ball numbered 6, while the afternoon draw results were pending. The lottery is described as a popular game among Colombian players, offering two daily draws and providing participants with multiple chances to win prizes. The afternoon draw is scheduled to take place at 4:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on YouTube channel 'La Red Gana'. The next draw is set for July 4 at 10:00 a.m.

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