Research Guides: International News: Colombia

Researcher

Melissa Meseljevic

General Country Overview

Colombia proclaimed its independence on July 20, 1810, from Spain. The capital is Bogotá, and the official language is Spanish. The population is approximately 51 million, and the currency is the Colombian peso (COP). Located in South America, Colombia is known for its coffee production and diverse landscapes.

News Sources

El Tiempo
One of Colombia's biggest newspapers and is often seen as having a center-right bias. While it’s one of Colombia’s most influential newspapers, critics have raised concerns about how its ownership and political ties may shape its reporting. It was sold in 2012 to Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo, billionaire and one of the country’s richest men. He owns multiple banks, construction and media. Because of this, people have questioned whether the paper can stay truly neutral, especially when covering topics that intersect with Sarmiento’s business or political interests.
El Especatdor
Colombia’s oldest newspaper, founded in 1887 by Fidel Cano Gutiérrez. It has a reputation for liberal and center-left editorial positions, with a focus on investigative journalism and opinion pieces. The newspaper is owned by Valorem S.A., a holding company controlled by the Santo Domingo family, which also owns other major media outlets like Caracol Televisión. Despite this corporate ownership, El Espectador maintains a degree of editorial independence, guided by its publisher Fidel Cano Correa, a descendant of the founder. The paper has faced significant challenges, including the assassination of its director, Guillermo Cano Isaza, by drug cartels in 1986.
Caracol Noticias
One of Colombia’s most-watched TV news programs, airing on Caracol Televisión. It covers national and international news, crime, politics, and entertainment, with editions throughout the day. The network is owned by Valorem S.A., a holding company controlled by the Santo Domingo family. Politically, Caracol Noticias is often viewed as center-right or moderately conservative, though it presents itself as neutral. It has a strong influence on public opinion and also has a big presence online and on social media.

Political Climate and Media Biases

Colombia is ranked #119 in the 2024 RSF Index. (RSF Index) The country has a long-standing history of tension between conservative and progressive forces. Political bias in the media is widespread and can appear subtly, such as selective coverage or framing, and in direct forms like partisan editorials or endorsements. These biases often become more pronounced during elections or national debates, leading many Colombians to be cautious about which news sources they trust. Social media has further intensified this divide, reinforcing echo chambers that reflect users’ existing beliefs.