How a family-run Spanish magazine conquered the global celebrity news industry since 1944
In short: Founded in Barcelona in 1944, the Spanish weekly magazine ¡Hola! evolved from a modest family project into a global media powerhouse. With over a million readers weekly, it now operates 12 international editions, blending royal coverage with celebrity gossip while maintaining its unique, family-operated roots across eight decades of publishing.
The story of ¡Hola! began on 2 September 1944, when Antonio Sánchez Gómez launched the publication in Barcelona. Initially conceived as a family-oriented magazine, Sánchez quickly pivoted toward the lucrative women's industry. He recognized the public's appetite for the lives of royalty, supplementing this coverage with self-help advice. This strategic shift laid the foundation for the brand's enduring success, eventually leading to the relocation of its headquarters to Madrid.
Despite its massive expansion, the magazine remains a deeply personal enterprise. Antonio Sánchez Gómez managed the publication until his death in the 1970s, and the organization continues to be run primarily by his family. The commitment to this legacy is so profound that Sánchez's wife has historically stepped in to oversee the layout for significant royal wedding spreads. This blend of professional celebrity journalism and family stewardship has defined the magazine's identity for generations.
The publication's reach is vast, spanning 12 international editions as of 2026. While the Spanish version maintains a heavy focus on royalty, the English and Latin American editions—often branded as Hello!—pivot more toward Hollywood stars. The magazine's influence is such that it has attracted high-profile figures, including former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe González, who granted his first interview while in office to the publication. From its first sale of 4,000 copies in 1944 to its current global footprint, the magazine has navigated shifting media landscapes by balancing local cultural interests with the universal allure of celebrity.
The magazine's circulation has fluctuated over time, reflecting broader shifts in the print industry. In 1993, it stood as the second best-selling magazine in Spain with 654,836 copies weekly, and by 1997, it remained the third best-selling with 627,514 copies. More recent data shows a gradual decline in print circulation, with 553,042 copies in 2005, 537,270 in 2008, and 475,049 in 2009. Nevertheless, the brand continues to expand its geographic reach, launching its Argentine edition as recently as 2010.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: ¡Hola!
- Also: Wikidata — ¡Hola! · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-hola.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
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
More in Magazines · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
