Controversy Over Madrid Regional Government's Funding of The Objective
El Salto
- The Madrid regional government has injected €340,000 in public funds into the digital news outlet The Objective over a five-year period.
- Despite consistent financial losses, the outlet continues to operate through public subsidies and repeated private capital injections.
Funding Trends
- Financial support comes via advertising contracts from the regional government and public entities such as Canal de Isabel II.
- Annual funding rose from €14,500 in 2021 to €116,250 in 2024 and €117,140 in 2025.
- Approximately 69% of the total five-year funding, or €234,000, has been distributed within the last two years alone.
Financial Performance
- Since its founding in 2013, the outlet has recorded consecutive annual losses.
- Total losses accumulated between 2017 and 2025 are estimated at €7.4 million.
- In 2024, the publication reported a loss of €1.236 million, followed by a loss exceeding €1 million in 2025.
- The company has survived through eight capital increases, relying on private investors and its owner to cover deficits while benefiting from increased public spending from political allies.