Marca (newspaper)
On the 21st of December 1938, a newspaper named Marca began printing in San Sebastián. The city was under control of nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War. Manuel Fernández Cuesta served as the founding editor. He was the uncle of businessman Nemesio Fernández-Cuesta. The publication started as a weekly edition. It ceased being published as a weekly on the 25th of November 1942. From that date forward, it appeared daily without interruption. This timing placed its birth at the height of national conflict.
Punto Editorial SA originally owned the newspaper. Espacio Editorial acquired the paper in 1984. That company later changed its name to Recoletos. In 2007, Recoletos merged with Unedisa to form Unidad Editorial. Unidad Editorial now owns the publication. The publisher also produces sister newspapers called El Mundo and Expansión. The format remains tabloid style throughout its history. Luis Infante became editor on the 3rd of September 1987. This leadership change occurred after decades of family management.
Manuel Fernández-Cuesta led the paper from 1938 until 1945. Ibrahim de Malcervelli took over for one year between 1945 and 1946. Manuel Casanova served briefly during 1946 and 1947. Lucio del Álamo held the position from 1947 through 1954. Nemesio Fernández-Cuesta returned to lead from 1954 to 1973. Carmelo Martinez managed operations from 1973 to 1983. Valentín Martín followed from 1983 to 1984. Juan Pablo de Villanueva edited from 1984 to 1986. Jesús Ramos served from 1986 to 1987. Luis Infante Bravo ran the newsroom from 1987 to 1997. Manuel Saucedo took charge in 1997 and left in 2001. Elías Israel led from 2001 to 2005. Saucedo returned briefly from 2005 to 2006. Alejandro Sopeña edited from 2006 to 2007. Eduardo Inda served from 2007 to 2011. Óscar Campillo was editor from 2011 to 2016. Juan Ignacio Gallardo has held the role since 2016.
In 2001, Marca sold 403,000 copies. Circulation dropped to 382,000 copies by 2003. This made it the second-best-selling newspaper in Spain at that time. By 2007, daily readership exceeded 2.5 million people. The paper captured more than half of all sports readership in the country. It stands as the best-selling daily newspaper in Spain today. The Society for News Design awarded it World's Best Designed Newspaper status in 2004. A gala event on the 21st of December 2007 celebrated its 70th anniversary with leading Spanish sportsmen of the 20th century.
An association 24-hour/day sports radio station named Radio Marca began broadcasting in February 2001. MARCA TV launched in 2010 and closed three years later in 2013. In 2008, Unidad Editorial launched a video game magazine called Marca Player. It was originally planned under the name Tilt. David Sanz helmed the publication after leaving Spain's Official Xbox Magazine. The first issue debuted with 125,000 copies in circulation. José Manuel González of Vandal noted an affordable price of 1.9 euros helped its start. The magazine lasted for 46 issues before closing in July 2012. Staff reorganized to launch IGN España following the shutdown. In October 2012, the paper announced launching the Spanish edition of IGN. They also planned another Spanish edition for Latin America. On the 6th of November 2019, they signed a collaboration deal with Planeta Wrestling.
Marca presents several annual awards at the end of each season. The Pichichi honors the top goalscorer in La Liga and Segunda División. The Zarra recognizes the top goalscorer among Spanish nationals in both leagues. The Zamora award goes to the best goalkeeper in La Liga and Segunda División. Miguel Muñoz receives the title of best head coach in both divisions. Guruceta is awarded to the best referee in La Liga and Segunda División. Di Stefano honors the best player in La Liga Deportiva. Golden Goal celebrates the goal of the season. The Marca Legend Award honors the best professional athletes in history. An online poll voted Argentine Lionel Messi as Best Football Player of All Time. A special Marca America Award recognized Messi for having the most titles in football history.
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Common questions
When did Marca newspaper begin printing in San Sebastián?
Marca began printing on the 21st of December 1938. The city was under control of nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War at that time.
Who founded the Marca newspaper and what was his relationship to Nemesio Fernández-Cuesta?
Manuel Fernández Cuesta served as the founding editor of Marca. He was the uncle of businessman Nemesio Fernández-Cuesta.
Which company currently owns the Marca publication?
Unidad Editorial now owns the publication. This entity formed when Recoletos merged with Unedisa in 2007.
What is the circulation status of Marca today compared to other newspapers in Spain?
It stands as the best-selling daily newspaper in Spain today. By 2007, daily readership exceeded 2.5 million people.
How many issues did the magazine called Marca Player last before closing?
The magazine lasted for 46 issues before closing in July 2012. It originally debuted with 125,000 copies in circulation.