# Ecuadorian media press freedom concerns

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ecuadorian-media-press-freedom-concerns
> Updated: 2026-10-08T00:17:52.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

The Ecuadorian newspaper Expreso announced it will cease its print edition on October 9 after 53 years, transitioning to a digital-only format. The publisher, Gráficos Nacionales S.A. (Granasa), cited a severe financial crisis and alleged state-led harassment by the administration of President Daniel Noboa.

Granasa reported a significant loss in advertising revenue, with president Galo Martínez Leisker alleging that 70% of advertisers withdrew due to direct government pressure. The company also reported facing tax audits, fiscal raids, and intervention by the Superintendency of Companies. 

In response to these developments, the Inter-American Press Association (SIP) and other press freedom organizations expressed concern, warning that administrative and economic pressures undermine media pluralism and democratic debate in Ecuador. An extraordinary shareholders' meeting was scheduled for mid-October to discuss the potential sale of company assets and properties.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-08: Digital disinformation and press freedom concerns rise in Argentina and Ecuador

Reports highlight concerns over digital disinformation and government-linked bot networks in Argentina, alongside allegations of state-driven economic pressure causing the end of Expreso’s print edition in ECU.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/digital-disinformation-and-press-freedom-concerns-rise-in-argentina-and-ecuador

### 2026-10-05: Expreso newspaper ends print edition amid allegations of state pressure in Ecuador

Ecuadorian newspaper Expreso is ending its 53-year print run to move digital, amid allegations from publisher Granasa of state-led economic and judicial pressure by the Noboa administration.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/expreso-newspaper-to-end-print-edition-in-ecuador-amid-financial-crisis

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Cite as: Ecuadorian media press freedom concerns. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ecuadorian-media-press-freedom-concerns
