El Ciudadano (Chile)

El Ciudadano is a Chilean media outlet with a progressive and radical left editorial line, founded in 2005. From its inception, it has sought to position itself as an alternative to the country’s major media conglomerates, giving space to voices and agendas often excluded from the dominant media discourse.^[5][6]

Today, it operates primarily as a digital platform, covering political, social, environmental, and human rights issues at both national and Latin American levels.^[5]

Throughout its history, El Ciudadano has been involved in several controversies. Critics have questioned its coverage of certain Latin American regimes, accusing it of acting as a propaganda outlet or of applying inconsistent editorial standards.

It has also been criticized at times for publishing content with weak sourcing, particularly on international issues. In recent years, however, the outlet has strengthened its editorial procedures and fact-checking processes.^[7]

El Ciudadano was founded in Santiago, Chile, in 2005 by a collective of journalists, designers, social activists, and independent communicators connected to student movements, community organizations, and environmental causes. The initiative emerged as a critical response to the Chilean media landscape, then characterized by a high concentration of media ownership in the hands of business groups such as El Mercurio S.A.P. and Copesa. Its founding objective was to create a counter-hegemonic and grassroots media outlet, focused on reporting from the perspective of social actors.^[5][6]

In its early years, El Ciudadano operated as a printed tabloid newspaper with limited circulation, primarily distributed at universities, social organizations, and local markets. It quickly became known for its bold graphic design, provocative editorial tone, and frequent publication of opinion columns written by social leaders and academics critical of Chile’s «neoliberal» model.^[5]

Beginning in 2010, El Ciudadano undertook a progressive digital transformation, expanding its reach through a website and social media channels. This change responded both to logistical needs and to the growing impact of digital technology on news consumption in Chile. The coverage of the 2011–2013 Chilean student protests marked a turning point in the outlet’s visibility. Its openly supportive stance on the protests, along with exclusive interviews and analyses not found in mainstream media, earned it a broader readership, especially among politically engaged youth.^[5]

In subsequent years, the outlet expanded its editorial structure, professionalized its team, and diversified its content, including investigative journalism, opinion columns, international coverage, and live multimedia broadcasts. It also developed partnerships with other international leftist media, such as Telesur, RT en Español —Russia Today—, Brasil de Fato, and Resumen Latinoamericano, strengthening its regional projection.^[5]

Chile’s October 2019 social uprising (Estallido Social) marked another turning point in the outlet’s trajectory. El Ciudadano was one of the most active digital platforms covering the demonstrations, clashes, and demands that emerged across the country, amplifying the voices of grassroots assemblies, neighborhood councils, and popular movements. This approach helped cement its reputation as a militant outlet, while also drawing criticism for perceived lack of editorial balance.^[8]

During this period, El Ciudadano experienced significant growth in web traffic, social media presence, and public recognition. At the same time, it was criticized by conservative sectors and mainstream media, which accused it of partisanship, sensationalism, and even spreading misinformation—allegations the editorial team has consistently denied.^[7][8]

• Official Website