How a Barcelona Newspaper Redefined Catalan Journalism Through Two Distinct Language Editions

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1978 to champion progressive Catalan socialism, El Periódico has evolved into a dual-language powerhouse. By printing separate Spanish and Catalan editions, the Barcelona-based daily navigates the complex cultural landscape of Catalonia, maintaining a center-left stance while securing its position as the region's second most-circulated newspaper today.

Established on 26 October 1978 by Antonio Asensio Pizarro, El Periódico emerged with a clear mission: to provide a progressive voice aligned with Catalan socialism. Under the guidance of its first editor, Antonio Franco, the publication quickly cemented its identity within the Spanish media landscape. The paper has consistently maintained a center-left political orientation, reflecting the evolving social and political currents of Catalonia throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

A significant turning point in the newspaper’s history occurred on 27 October 1997, when it launched a dedicated Catalan-language edition. This strategic move allowed the paper to broaden its reach and better serve the linguistic diversity of its readership. Today, the two editions are easily identifiable by their distinct visual branding: the Spanish version features a red front-page nameplate, while the Catalan edition is marked by a blue one. This dual-language approach has helped the publication remain the second highest-circulated newspaper in Catalonia, trailing only La Vanguardia.

The paper’s corporate journey has also seen notable shifts. For years, it was a flagship asset of Grupo Zeta, but in May 2019, the ownership transitioned to Prensa Ibérica. Throughout its history, the paper has been deeply embedded in the local political fabric, with figures like former director Rafael Nadal—brother of Catalan socialist leader Joaquim Nadal—illustrating the close ties between the publication and the region's political sphere. Despite fluctuations in circulation—which peaked at 218,000 copies in 2000 before settling at 119,374 by 2011—the newspaper remains a cornerstone of Catalan journalism.

The evolution of El Periódico reflects the broader challenges and opportunities facing regional media in a globalized era. By balancing its original socialist roots with the necessity of adapting to modern linguistic and market demands, the paper continues to serve as a vital source of information for the people of Barcelona and beyond.

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