How a century-old Mexican newspaper became a lightning rod for political controversy and influence

Cultures · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded during the Mexican Revolution to document the birth of a new constitution, El Universal has evolved into a media titan. Yet, its journey from a historical chronicler to a dominant digital force is shadowed by persistent allegations of government collusion, editorial censorship, and the manipulation of public discourse.

Established in October 1916 by Emilio Rabasa and Félix Palavicini, the publication was initially conceived in Santiago de Querétaro to report on the conclusion of the Mexican Revolution and the drafting of the nation's new constitution. Over the decades, it expanded into a massive digital enterprise; by 2013, the outlet reported over 16 million unique monthly visitors and 140 million page views, cementing its status as a cornerstone of Mexican media.

However, the newspaper's legacy is deeply contested. Critics, particularly from the political left, have long accused the publication of maintaining overly close ties with successive governments. A defining moment occurred following the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre, when the paper published headlines framing the state-led violence as a battle against terrorists. While the editorial board later admitted to placing excessive trust in official government narratives, the incident remains a flashpoint in the history of the Mexican Dirty War.

Tensions regarding editorial independence have persisted into the modern era. In 2012, columnist Andrés Lajous resigned after editors altered the title of his piece regarding vehicle theft during the tenure of Enrique Peña Nieto, citing interference from higher-ups. Furthermore, a 2017 report by The New York Times alleged that the newspaper was the primary recipient of government advertising funds, suggesting this financial relationship influenced its coverage during the 2018 elections. The publication dismissed these claims as biased and false.

The digital age has introduced new complexities. The newspaper’s classifieds brand, Aviso Oportuno, has become a generic term for the industry, yet its online comment sections are frequently criticized for hosting anonymous, abusive users who allegedly act as political proxies. These ongoing debates over credibility and transparency highlight the fraught relationship between journalism and power in contemporary Mexico.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• How a Spanish newspaper became a powerhouse of investigative journalism and political influence
• How a Colombian Newspaper Survived Dictatorship by Rebranding as an Intermission
• How a Venezuelan Regional Newspaper Became the Epicenter of a City-Wide Conflict
• How a Mexican media dynasty built an empire through television, politics, and football
• From telegraph wires to brainwaves: the evolution of how we consume and create information
• The surgical precision of a fictional character's moral compass
• The rise of 'Big Balls' from cybercrime to the federal government
• A Boeing 747 veered off a Hong Kong runway, ending in the South China Sea
• Editing is far more than fixing typos; it is the art of preserving intent.
• From a French schoolhouse to Hollywood stardom: the rapid ascent of Emma Mackey
• Eclipso is the ancient, malevolent entity trapped within a shattered black diamond
• Is entertainment journalism meant to inform us, or simply to keep us amused?

More in Journalism and mass media · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics