Is El Nacional Politically Biased? Ownership, Funding, and Editorial Policy
El Nacional Overview and Political Bias
Critics often characterize El Nacional as a primary organ of the Venezuelan opposition, alleging it maintains a strong anti-Chavista bias. While the publication presents itself as a defender of democratic values, detractors claim it employs sensationalism. Observers note its reporting frequently frames the current administration as a dictatorship.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center |
| Estimated number of readers | 3,500,000 |
| Israel support | Pro-Israel / Western-aligned |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | High |
| Target Audience | Partisan and Venezuelan Diaspora |
El Nacional History
Founded in 1943 by Miguel Otero Silva, El Nacional was historically Venezuela's most influential daily. It shifted from center-left roots to fierce opposition against Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. Facing newsprint shortages and legal seizures of its headquarters in 2021, it transitioned into a digital-only platform based in exile.
World News Map
Who owns El Nacional?
The outlet is owned by the Otero family through C.A. Editorial El Nacional, with Miguel Henrique Otero serving as president. Historically funded by advertising and circulation, it now relies on digital revenue and private capital, as government-aligned legal actions have significantly restricted its traditional domestic financial operations.