Sunday, August 17, 2025

El Nuevo Diario: History, evolution and commitment to the truth since 1981

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Founded on May 8, 1981, El Nuevo Diario is one of the main newspapers of national circulation in the Dominican Republic. It was born as a commitment to pluralism, freedom of expression and the strengthening of Dominican democracy, in a context of great social, economic and political challenges.

From its first editorial, this media outlet made its mission clear:

Origin of El Nuevo Diario

El Nuevo Diario emerged in the third year of the government of Antonio Guzmán Fernández and shortly before the election of Salvador Jorge Blanco. At that time, the country was facing a serious economic crisis, with an unemployment rate of 50% and social protests throughout the territory. The new morning newspaper was founded by a group of journalists and entrepreneurs at a meeting in Juan Dolio on April 5 and 6, 1981.

Among the founding members were Persio Maldonado Sánchez, current director of the media, and Pedro Bonilla, president of the first Board of Directors. The first director was the renowned journalist Juan Bolívar Díaz, until April 1984.

Informative vocation and plural vision

From its first pages, El Nuevo Diario set out to be a bridge for the free expression of thought and a space for the hopes, claims, and struggles of the Dominican people. The initial editorial staff was composed of prominent names such as Manuel Quiterio Cedeño, Elsa Expósito, Ramón Emilio Colombo, Luis Minier Montero, Heriberto Morrison, among others.

Leonel Fernández visitando la redacción de El Nuevo Diario.
Leonel Fernández visitando la redacción de El Nuevo Diario.

At the time, it competed with nine other newspapers of national circulation, many of which disappeared, such as El Sol, La Noticia, Última Hora and El Siglo. El Nuevo Diario withstood the passage of time and established itself as a witness to historical moments: from the end of the Cold War to changes in the papacy and the democratic evolution of the country.

Modernization and Digital Boost

In 2015, under the direction of Persio Maldonado Sánchez, a new rotary press was inaugurated to improve the quality of the printed material and its web portal www.elnuevodiario.com.do was completely redesigned, with the aim of offering a more attractive, dynamic and closer experience to the digital reader.

The digital version of the newspaper, with over a decade of development, is positioned as one of the most read news portals in the country, thanks to its constant updating, integration with social networks, and its agile and modern approach.

A team with roots and generational change

The newspaper has featured figures who have dedicated more than three decades to its growth, such as Tony Salado, Ramón Mejía, Ramón Cabral, and Luis Brito Jerez. In turn, a new generation has taken leadership in key areas: Persio Maldonado Bonnelly, Francisco Mejía Jr., Wilmer Cabral, among others.

Currently, the following stand out in the editorial team:

  • Luis Brito Jerez, Head of Editorial Department
  • Francia Valdez, Deputy Head of Editorial Department
  • Jaime Rincón, Project Manager
  • María Jiménez, Entertainment and Social Editor
  • William Aish, Sports Editor

Commitment to the free press

As president of the Dominican Society of Newspapers (SDD), Persio Maldonado has advocated for greater state support for print media, denouncing the tax burdens and lack of exemptions that affect the sustainability of independent journalism.

“A country like the Dominican Republic needs responsible entrepreneurs and political leaders,” Maldonado has said, reaffirming his vision on the role of the media in building a just and participatory society.

The newspaper of Dominicans, wherever they are

El Nuevo Diario keeps informed not only Dominicans in the national territory, but also the diaspora in the United States, Europe and other parts of the world.

TECHNICAL SHEET – EL NUEVO DIARIO

Name of the media:
El Nuevo Diario

Foundation date:
May 8, 1981

Type of media:
Printed and digital national newspaper

Printed format:
Tabloid

Owner:
Editora El Nuevo Diario, S.A.

General Director:
Persio Maldonado Sánchez

Chief Executive Officer:
Cosette Bonnelly

Main Office:
Av. Francia esq. Rocco Cochia, Don Bosco sector, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Phone:
(809) 687-7450 ext. 222

Fax:
(809) 687-3205

Email:
redaccionnd@gmail.com

Official website:
www.elnuevodiario.com.do

Social media:

Board of Directors:

  • President: Persio Maldonado Sánchez
  • 1st Vice President: Héctor Corominas Peña
  • 2nd Vice President: Aura Minerva González
  • Treasurer: Mario Viñas Betances
  • Secretary: Francisco Pérez Encarnación
  • Members: Rodolfo Lama, Vincenzo Mastrolilli, Persio Sully Maldonado

Informative coverage:

  • National and international
  • Politics, economics, sports, social issues, entertainment, opinion, and Dominican community abroad

Printing:
Own (rotary installed in 2015)

Digital edition:
Constant update and real-time coverage

Affiliations:
Aspiring member of the Inter American Press Association (IAPA)
Current presidency of the Dominican Society of Newspapers (SDD)

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