La Razón: A Profile of the Madrid-Based Daily Newspaper
La Razón (Spanish for "The Reason") is a prominent daily newspaper headquartered in Madrid, Spain. Published in a tabloid format, it serves as a significant voice in the Spanish media landscape, currently ranking as the fourth-highest circulation daily based in Madrid and the sixth-highest among general-interest dailies across Spain.
To maintain a broad national reach, the publication operates satellite news bureaux and produces local editions in several key cities, including Barcelona, Murcia, Seville, Valencia, and Valladolid.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1998 by Luis Maria Ansón.
- Ownership: Owned by Grupo Planeta.
- Political Stance: Socially conservative, economically neoliberal, and right-wing.
- Format: Daily tabloid.
- Headquarters: Madrid, Spain.
- Circulation: 41,000 copies as of 2020.
History and Editorial Stance
Established in 1998, La Razón was founded by Luis Maria Ansón. The newspaper is currently owned by the media conglomerate Grupo Planeta and is managed by publisher Mauricio Casals and editor Francisco Marhuenda.
The publication is defined by its right-wing political alignment. Its editorial direction is characterized by neoliberalism—an economic philosophy favoring free-market capitalism and minimal government intervention—and social conservatism.
Circulation Trends
Over the past two decades, La Razón has experienced significant fluctuations in its readership. The paper saw a peak in the mid-2000s, reaching a circulation of 140,000 in 2003 and hitting a high of 153,024 in 2008. However, following the 2008 period, numbers began to decline.
By 2011, circulation had dropped to 103,789, and by 2020, the figure stood at 41,000 copies. This trend reflects broader shifts in the Spanish media market and the transition toward digital consumption.
| Year | Circulation (Copies) |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 140,000 |
| 2008 | 153,024 |
| 2009 | 124,284 |
| 2010 | 118,466 |
| 2011 | 103,789 |
| 2020 | 41,000 |
Staff and Contributors
The daily is led by editor Francisco Marhuenda. Throughout its history, the paper has featured contributions from several notable writers and figures, including Carlos Rodríguez Braun, Carmen Gurruchaga, César Vidal, and Alfonso Ussía.
Notable Controversies
La Razón is well-known for its provocative front-page designs, which frequently spark intense debates on social media and within other news outlets.
Several specific incidents have drawn significant criticism:
- Student Protests (2012): On May 9, 2012, the paper published photos and full names of five students, labeling them "bad students" and "stirrers" in relation to protests against education cutbacks. This led to a complaint from the student union and criticism from the French newspaper Le Monde.
- Paris Attacks Misidentification (2015): Following the November 2015 Paris attacks, the newspaper published a doctored image of Veerender Jubbal, a Canadian Sikh, falsely identifying him as one of the terrorists.
- Libel Case (2016): On June 7, 2016, Argentine footballer Lionel Messi won a libel lawsuit against the publication. He was awarded €65,000 in damages, which he subsequently donated to the charity Médecins Sans Frontières.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns La Razón?
La Razón is owned by Grupo Planeta, a major Spanish publishing group.
What is the political orientation of the newspaper?
The newspaper maintains a right-wing stance, specifically adhering to neoliberal economic views and social conservatism.
Where is La Razón based?
The newspaper is headquartered in Madrid, Spain, though it maintains local editions in cities such as Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.
Has La Razón ever lost a legal battle?
Yes, in 2016, the newspaper lost a libel case brought by Lionel Messi, resulting in a €65,000 payment in damages.
What is the current circulation of the paper?
As of 2020, the circulation of La Razón was reported to be 41,000 copies.