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| ElConfidencial | |
|---|---|
| Name | ElConfidencial |
| Type | Online newspaper |
| Format | Digital |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | José Antonio Vera |
| Headquarters | Madrid |
| Language | Spanish |
ElConfidencial is a Spanish digital newspaper founded in the early 21st century, based in Madrid and focused on investigative journalism, economic analysis, and political reporting. It operates within the Spanish media ecosystem alongside outlets such as El País, ABC, El Mundo, La Vanguardia, and Cadena SER. The outlet is known for long-form investigations that intersect with institutions like the Audiencia Nacional, National Court, and actors such as the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party and the People's Party (Spain).
ElConfidencial emerged during a period of media digitization that included peers like 20 minutos, Público, La Información, and legacy titles such as Diario 16 and ABC. Its development ran parallel to major events such as the 2004 Madrid train bombings, the 2008 financial crisis, and the 2017 Catalan referendum, which shaped Spanish news agendas alongside European shifts exemplified by Brexit and the Eurozone crisis. Throughout its history it reported on institutions including the Banco de España, International Monetary Fund, European Central Bank, and companies like Banco Santander, BBVA, and Telefónica. Its timeline intersects with public figures such as José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Mariano Rajoy, Pedro Sánchez, Carles Puigdemont, and Albert Rivera.
Ownership structures in Spanish media often involve holdings and investment groups such as Prisa, Vocento, Grupo Godó, and Unidad Editorial, while management circles feature executives with ties to entities like the CNMV, CNMV, and corporate boards of Iberdrola and Repsol. ElConfidencial's corporate governance has been discussed alongside comparisons to ownership models at Atresmedia, Mediaset España, and international comparisons like The New York Times Company and The Guardian Media Group. Editorial directors and managers often navigate relationships with institutions such as the Audiencia Nacional and professional associations like the Asociación de la Prensa de Madrid.
The outlet's editorial approach is frequently compared with editorial lines at El País, El Mundo, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and investigative projects like ProPublica and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. Coverage spans politics involving Congress of Deputies, institutions like the Moncloa, and European bodies including the European Commission and European Parliament. Reporting touches on corporate affairs involving Banco Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Telefónica, Amancio Ortega, and cultural coverage referencing venues such as the Museo Nacional del Prado and festivals like the San Sebastián International Film Festival.
The title has published investigations into banking scandals comparable to probes at LuxLeaks, Panama Papers, and Paradise Papers, examining entities like Sacyr, OHL, and dealings related to public contracts involving municipalities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Reports have intersected with inquiries by institutions such as the Audiencia Nacional and individuals including Luis Bárcenas, Iñaki Urdangarin, Rafa Nadal (in peripheral cultural-business contexts), and corporate executives from Banco Santander and BBVA. Coverage often links to judicial developments like rulings from the Supreme Court of Spain and investigations by the Public Prosecutor's Office.
As a digital-native outlet, its audience metrics are often compared to those of El Español, HuffPost España, Infolibre, and platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Its strategy includes SEO, analytics platforms such as Google Analytics, and syndication practices mirrored by outlets like Euronews and Reuters. The outlet targets readership in regions including Madrid, Catalonia, Valencian Community, and the Basque Country, while engaging with diaspora audiences in Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia.
Like many investigative outlets, it has faced defamation claims, injunctions, and legal scrutiny comparable to litigations involving El País and El Mundo, with cases sometimes reaching judicial bodies such as the Supreme Court of Spain and the European Court of Human Rights. Disputes have involved prominent figures and entities including politicians from People's Party (Spain), Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, business figures linked to Banco Santander and BBVA, and developers similar to Sacyr and OHL.
Its reporting has been shortlisted for and received awards comparable to honors like the King of Spain Journalism Awards, Premio Ortega y Gasset, and recognitions from institutions such as the Asociación de la Prensa de Madrid and international journalism bodies including Reporters Without Borders and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. Its investigative pieces have been cited in proceedings at the Audiencia Nacional and by publications including El País, The Guardian, and Le Monde.
Category:Newspapers published in Spain