Diario de Mallorca: A History of Journalism and Investigative Reporting

Diario de Mallorca: A History of Journalism and Investigative Reporting

The Diario de Mallorca stands as a significant voice in the Spanish media landscape, blending a long history of local reporting with high-stakes investigative journalism. From its origins as a merged entity to its recognition on the national stage, the publication has played a pivotal role in documenting the events of the Balearic Islands.

Origins and Evolution

The newspaper was established in 1953, emerging from the merger of two existing publications: Correo de Mallorca and La Almudaina. This consolidation allowed the paper to build a strong foundation in the region.

As the media industry evolved, the ownership of the publication shifted. In November 1991, Prensa Ibérica, a major media group, acquired a majority stake in the newspaper, integrating it into a larger corporate network of regional press.

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Circulation and Reach

Measuring the impact of print media provides insight into the newspaper's reach. Data from the Oficina de Justificación de la Difusión (the official body for certifying circulation figures) indicated that between July 2007 and June 2008, the Diario de Mallorca maintained a print circulation of 23,218 copies.

Award-Winning Investigative Journalism

Beyond daily news, the Diario de Mallorca gained international attention for its courageous investigative work. In 2005, a team of journalists—Matías Vallés, Felipe Armendáriz, and Marisa Goñi—exposed a clandestine operation involving the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Their reporting revealed that the Son Sant Joan Airport was being utilized as a base for the CIA's extraordinary rendition program—the practice of capturing individuals and transporting them to secret locations for interrogation without legal process.

For their commitment to truth and rigorous reporting, these journalists were honored with the prestigious Ortega y Gasset Award for print journalism.

Key Facts

  • Founded: 1953 via the merger of Correo de Mallorca and La Almudaina.
  • Majority Owner: Prensa Ibérica (since November 1991).
  • Circulation: 23,218 (July 2007 – June 2008).
  • Major Achievement: Ortega y Gasset Award for reporting on CIA activities.
  • Key Investigation: Use of Son Sant Joan Airport for extraordinary rendition.
Diario de Mallorca Overview
Category Details
Year Founded 1953
Parent Company Prensa Ibérica
Notable Award Ortega y Gasset Award
Key Journalists Matías Vallés, Felipe Armendáriz, Marisa Goñi

Frequently Asked Questions

How was the Diario de Mallorca founded?

The newspaper was created in 1953 through the merger of two previous publications, Correo de Mallorca and La Almudaina.

Who owns the Diario de Mallorca?

Prensa Ibérica has held a majority stake in the newspaper since November 1991.

What was the significance of the 2005 CIA report?

Journalists Matías Vallés, Felipe Armendáriz, and Marisa Goñi revealed that the CIA used Son Sant Joan Airport as a base for its extraordinary rendition program.

What is the Ortega y Gasset Award?

It is a prestigious award for print journalism, which was granted to the Diario de Mallorca team for their investigative work on the CIA's activities.

What was the newspaper's circulation in the late 2000s?

According to the Oficina de Justificación de la Difusión, the print circulation was 23,218 from July 2007 to June 2008.