Ara: The Leading Catalan Language Daily Newspaper
Launched on November 28, 2010, to coincide with the Catalan regional elections, Ara (meaning "Now" in English) has rapidly established itself as a cornerstone of journalism in Catalonia. Based in Barcelona, it holds the distinction of being the most read daily newspaper written exclusively in the Catalan language and ranks as the third most read daily overall within the region.
Beyond its primary market, the publication has expanded its reach through Ara Balears, which has become the most popular Catalan language newspaper on the Balearic Islands. Its digital presence is equally dominant; in September 2017, the online edition attracted nearly 3.2 million visitors, cementing its status as the most popular Catalan language news site.
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Key Facts
- Founded: November 28, 2010.
- Language: Exclusively Catalan (with selected items in English and Spanish).
- Headquarters: Barcelona, Spain.
- Market Position: Most read daily newspaper written exclusively in Catalan.
- Digital Reach: Nearly 3.2 million online visitors in September 2017.
- Political Stance: Centrist and strongly Catalanist.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The newspaper was established by founding editor Carles Capdevila, while the current editorial leadership is headed by Esther Vera. The executive management includes President Ferran Rodés and CEO Salvador Garcia.
Ara benefits from a distinguished advisory council featuring prominent journalists Antoni Bassas, Albert Om, and Toni Soler, all of whom are recognized for their contributions to the Catalan public broadcaster, TV3. To provide a global perspective, the publication includes Catalan translations of reports and articles from the New York Times International Edition.
Founding and Ownership
The initial shareholders included Ferran Rodés, Fundació Carulla, Víctor Font, and the group Cultura 03 (which also publishes titles such as Sàpiens and TimeOut Barcelona), though Cultura 03 is no longer a shareholder. Additionally, Antoni Bassas joined as a shareholder in September 2010.
Growth and Financial Performance
Ara's entry into the market was an immediate success, with its first issue selling out all 120,000 print copies. By 2017, the newspaper had grown its subscriber base to 40,000. This subscription model has become the primary revenue stream, accounting for 41% of income and surpassing advertising revenue in 2015.
The publication has shown remarkable resilience and growth in a challenging media landscape. In 2017, Ara grew by 10%, making it the only newspaper based in Barcelona or Madrid to achieve growth that year. By March 2018, its readership climbed to 129,000, representing a year-on-year increase of 57.3%.
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Editorial Policy and Regional Expansion
Ara positions itself as a centrist publication regarding the traditional left-right political divide. However, it is strongly Catalanist—supporting the identity and self-determination of Catalonia. The editorial goal is to serve citizens who are culturally active, politically concerned, and socially committed.
While printed in Barcelona and distributed throughout Catalonia, the newspaper expanded to the Balearic Islands in 2011. In February 2012, it further extended its distribution to the Valencian Community, specifically targeting the city of Valencia and the Province of Castelló.
Awards and Recognition
The publication is highly regarded for its design and journalistic innovation, receiving numerous accolades:
- 2013: Premi Nacional de Comunicació (Digital Media category).
- 2015: European Newspaper Award (Regional Newspaper category).
- 2015 & 2016: Ciutat de Barcelona and Premi Nacional de Comunicació awards for founder Carles Capdevila.
- 2017: 11 European Newspaper Awards, including three for innovation in using art and drawings instead of photographs.
- 2017: Three ÑH newspaper design prizes from the Society for News Design for online reporting.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 2014-010X |
| Primary Language | Catalan |
| Main Revenue Source | Subscriptions (41%) |
| Readership (March 2018) | 129,000 |
| Key Regional Edition | Ara Balears |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name "Ara" mean?
Ara is a Catalan word that translates to "Now" in English.
What is the political alignment of Ara?
The newspaper is generally considered centrist in terms of left-right politics and strongly Catalanist regarding the relationship between Spain and Catalonia.
How does Ara generate most of its revenue?
Subscriptions are the primary source of income, accounting for 41% of revenue, which surpassed advertising income in 2015.
In which regions is Ara distributed?
Ara is distributed throughout Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and parts of the Valencian Community, including Valencia and the Province of Castelló.
Does Ara provide content in languages other than Catalan?
While it is written exclusively in Catalan, the newspaper offers selected news items in English and Spanish.