COOwnership & classification
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.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 1510
80/100
Factual
73/100
Objective
2167
Articles
2143
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
International alert for alleged plan to destabilize the Government of De La Espriella: these would be the actions of criminal groups
International intelligence agencies have reportedly issued warnings about alleged plans to destabilize the Colombian government led by President Abelardo De La Espriella. The documents, obtained by Noticias RCN, suggest that groups linked to extreme-left sectors and illegal armed structures could carry out attacks on strategic infrastructure, disrupt public order, and spread disinformation to create uncertainty. The reports, prepared by U.S. intelligence agencies with Israeli support, identify regions such as Cauca, Nariño, and Antioquia as high-risk areas where criminal networks and armed groups operate. The alerts highlight potential threats including sabotage of energy and transportation systems, harassment of security forces, and coordinated messaging by illegal organizations to exert political pressure.
To see again and again: spectacular last kilometer of Pogacar in Monaco to be leader in the Vuelta a España
Tadej Pogacar, líder del UAE Team, se impuso en la primera etapa de la Vuelta a España 2026, una contrarreloj de 9.4 kilómetros en Mónaco, ganándola por apenas nueve centésimas de segundo frente al británico Ethan Hayter. Pogacar, quien ya había ganado su quinto Tour de Francia, lidera la clasificación general tras esta victoria y busca completar el doblete Tour-Vuelta en la misma temporada. Su rendimiento en Mónaco, donde domina debido a su base de entrenamiento en el Principado, le da ventaja para mantener el maillot rojo hasta la final en Granada. El artículo destaca su habilidad en la contrarreloj y menciona el impacto emocional de su victoria, aunque no aborda críticas ni alternativas.
José Manuel Restrepo defended The book of truth: Sectors interested in supporting the narrative that the State we received had no problems
Vice President José Manuel Restrepo defended 'El libro de la verdad,' a controversial report exposing alleged corruption during President Gustavo Petro's administration. The document, which lists 23 cases of suspected misconduct, has sparked political debate. Restrepo acknowledged that the report would cause discomfort but emphasized that the government's response would focus on institutional review rather than political confrontation. He stressed that the book serves as documentation for authorities to investigate further, not as a substitute for judicial processes. The publication comes amid growing scrutiny over the report’s claims of large contracts and administrative irregularities.
Ana María Saavedra's uncle broke the silence about the presence of Gustavo Petro at the funeral: He is our personal friend
The presence of former President Gustavo Petro at the eucharistic ceremony commemorating the victims of a recent earthquake in Colombia sparked controversy on social media after Ana María Saavedra, one of the survivors who lost her parents and two sisters, criticized Petro's post and asked him not to turn her family's mourning into a political stage. In response, Petro initially removed his post but later shared a statement from Carlos Héctor Saavedra Cardona, brother of one of the deceased, clarifying that Petro attended the event at the family's invitation. The statement emphasized that Petro, despite his busy schedule and potential risks, chose to attend out of friendship and that the family maintains progressive political views without affecting their familial bonds.
Wave of criticism of Jean Fernandes, of America, for gestures to Santa Fe fans: this made
Jean Fernandes, portero del club América de Cali, fue criticado por gestos ofensivos hacia los aficionados de Santa Fe durante un partido válido por la sexta fecha del torneo. La situación ocurrió en el Estadio El Campín de Bogotá, donde Fernandes se enfrentó verbalmente con hinchas locales, realizando un gesto ofensivo con la mano y llevándose la mano a la zona genital. Las cámaras capturaron el incidente, lo que generó reacciones en redes sociales y llamadas a la Dimayor para que revise su comportamiento. Fernandes denunció haber sido agredido previamente por hinchas, quien afirmó que era él el blanco de los insultos. Paralelamente, se reportó una batalla campal entre barras en el mismo estadio, donde participantes usaron objetos contundentes, lo cual generó preocupación en el fútbol profesional colombiano.
Heavy road accident in Bogotá on the morning of Sunday 23 August; authorities report that a woman died
Un grave accidente vial ocurrido en la localidad de Engativá, en Bogotá, resultó en la muerte de una mujer tras la caída de un motociclista en la carrera 116C con diagonal 67A. Las autoridades de tránsito y la Secretaría Distrital de Movilidad llegaron al lugar para gestionar la situación y coordinar las acciones necesarias. Según informes preliminares, el motociclista sufrió una caída severa, lo que provocó heridas graves que resultaron en su fallecimiento en el lugar. Una unidad de criminalística fue enviada al sitio para realizar la inspección técnica del cuerpo y recoger evidencias para determinar las causas exactas del accidente. Mientras se desarrollaban las investigaciones, se implementaron medidas de seguridad en la zona, lo que causó afectaciones temporales en la movilidad. Las autoridades instaron a los conductores y residentes a seguir las instrucciones del personal operativo y a respetar las normas de tránsito para prevenir futuros accidentes.
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.
Oceans are warming like never before: July 2026 breaks a new climate record
En julio de 2026, los océanos del planeta alcanzaron las temperaturas superficiales más altas registradas para ese mes, según datos del Servicio de Cambio Climático de Copernicus. Estas temperaturas, que se sitúan 1,47 °C por encima de los niveles preindustriales, están vinculadas al calentamiento global y a patrones meteorológicos persistentes. La mayor parte del océano experimentó condiciones de ola de calor marina, con concentraciones especialmente altas en el Pacífico tropical. Estos cambios climáticos tienen impactos significativos en las zonas costeras, contribuyendo a sequías, incendios forestales y alteraciones en el nivel de ríos. Paralelamente, ciertas regiones han enfrentado lluvias torrenciales y desastres relacionados con sistemas monzónicos.
This is how the witches commit crimes, a form of fraud against people in the United States for which the governor of Tolima asked Abelardo De La Espriella for help
The article reports on a criminal operation involving 'brujos' (witches) in the Colombian department of Tolima who have been deceiving people in both Colombia and the United States through fraudulent practices such as false promises of love, financial gains, and fake immigration procedures. The U.S. military and Homeland Security Investigations have gathered evidence from a major operation called 'Macedonia,' seizing digital devices, cash, and documents from 12 raids in Tolima cities. The governor of Tolima, Adriana Magali Matiz, has sought assistance from Abelardo De La Espriella, then-presidential candidate, who expressed concern over these crimes during a meeting with local leaders. The network appears to extend beyond Tolima into Bogotá, Medellín, and Villavicencio, using social media and physical postings to attract victims. One case linked to this network involves a 'premium office' allegedly connected to the murders of foreigners, including accusations related to the killing of Miguel Uribe.
They identify fans who entered the court of El Campín and formed campal battle: photos reveal them
During a football match between Independiente Santa Fe and América de Cali at Estadio El Campín in Bogotá, a violent confrontation erupted between fans in the field, leading to chaos and requiring police intervention. The incident lasted over ten minutes, during which some individuals used sticks, chairs, and weapons against each other. Authorities identified the aggressors through photos and videos shared by media outlets and social networks. Gustavo Quintero, Bogotá's Secretary of Government, condemned the event, stating it was unacceptable and linked it to an alleged theft attempt by visiting team supporters. He reported 17 people were affected but none seriously injured. The incident could result in sanctions against Santa Fe, as they are the home team. Quintero emphasized the need for stricter measures to prevent such occurrences, calling Bogotá a model of peaceful football.
Volodimir Zelenski believes that elections in the current context would mean the collapse of Ukraine: It would be a tsunami for the country
El presidente ucraniano, Volodimir Zelenski, advirtió que celebrar elecciones durante la guerra contra Rusia sería extremadamente peligroso para el país, describiéndolo como 'un tsunami' que podría fracturar a Ucrania. Esta declaración surgió tras la controversial propuesta del exministro de Defensa Mijaílo Fédorov, quien llamó a organizar elecciones sin proporcionar una estrategia clara. La suspensión de las elecciones fue decidida bajo la ley marcial, con apoyo generalizado de la población, ya que el foco debe estar en la defensa nacional. Los expertos señalan múltiples desafíos logísticos y de seguridad, incluyendo la participación de soldados, refugiados y residentes en territorios ocupados, así como la amenaza de desinformación rusa. Una encuesta reveló que solo el 15% de los ucranianos cree que debería haberse celebrado la elección antes de terminar la guerra.
A woman died during a visit to the prison The Model of Bogotá: Ministry of Justice demands review of security protocols
Un ministerio colombiano denunció la muerte violenta de una mujer durante su visita a la cárcel La Modelo de Bogotá y anunció la revisión de los protocolos de seguridad en los centros penitenciarios. El incidente ocurrió el 22 de agosto de 2026 cuando la mujer fue encontrada sin vida en el pabellón 13. Según el informe preliminar del Instituto Nacional Penitenciario y Carcelario (Inpec), el interno al que visitaba sería responsable del hecho y fue aislado. El Ministerio de Justicia expresó su acompañamiento a la familia de la víctima y reafirmó su compromiso con la lucha contra la violencia contra las mujeres. El ministro Iván Cancino ordenó una revisión inmediata de los protocolos de seguridad, incluyendo mecanismos de alerta, botones de pánico y procedimientos de atención ante emergencias. La investigación continúa bajo la supervisión de las autoridades competentes.
Emotional gesture of Egan Bernal with Nairo Quintana: he dressed up for the farewell of the boy
The article discusses Egan Bernal's participation in the Cycling World Championship in Montreal, where he will compete alongside his friend and fellow Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana, marking Quintana's farewell from professional cycling. Quintana was initially expected to retire at the Vuelta a España but was removed by his team due to performance considerations. The article highlights the emotional significance of this event for Colombian cycling, noting that Quintana is retiring after a decade-long career, including his historic victory in the Vuelta a España. It also mentions other Colombian cyclists confirmed for the event and the country's hopes to make an impact in Montreal despite competition from top international riders.