The final page of the newspaper “i”, titled “Adeus e Até Já”, reveals that the publication will soon embark on a new journey. Journalist Nuno Tiago Pinto writes, “i – Inevitável – will have a new destination, reimagined as a magazine along with Nascer do Sol, under new ownership and management that I am confident will chart a new course.” This announcement coincides with the paper celebrating its 3,996th edition.
Nuno Tiago Pinto reflects on the last four months as a time of growth and admiration. “In these brief four months with my name at the helm, I have come to admire even more the work of those who contribute tirelessly and wholeheartedly; a dedicated and united team unmatched by any other newsroom I have been part of,” he concludes.
The news follows Media Capital’s announcement on July 17 about ongoing negotiations with the investment firm controlling Newsplex, aimed at acquiring a majority stake in the group owning Sol and i.
Deputy Director José Cabrita Saraiva notes in the editorial titled “i tudo levou o tempo” that, as the publication nears its 4,000th edition, it approaches its conclusion in its current form, transitioning soon to a magazine to be distributed with Nascer do Sol. “Having been part of the leadership for ten years, always striving to deliver the best possible editions to newsstands, the end of the newspaper in its current form feels like a loss,” he states.
He continues, “It’s the shortfall of a project that involved years of commitment and sacrifice from an exceptional team, who gave their best even under adverse conditions.” He also emphasizes the ongoing crisis in the press and readership, calling it a civilizational and value crisis, which only heightens the bitter taste of the project’s end.
The Deputy Director highlights, “A disappearing newspaper is merely a symptom of a world where the loudest, most extreme voices prevail,” expressing gratitude towards Mário Ramires, Vítor Rainho, friends, and readers.
According to data from the Transparency Portal of the Regulatory Entity for the Media (ERC), Newsplex is 98.2% owned by Sunny Media, Unipessoal Lda, with the remaining 1.79% held by Barod Ltd.
Sunny Media is controlled by Alpac Alpac Capital España ETVE, which is owned by Alpac DWC LLC. Pedro Vargas Santos David holds 66.67% of Alpac DWC, while Luís Santos owns the remaining 33.33%.
In July 2022, Alpac Capital acquired a majority stake in Euronews and purchased Nascer do Sol and i. “Pedro Vargas David and Luís Santos from Alpac Capital signed the purchase of the newspapers Nascer do Sol and i with Mário Ramires, the current owner, as a contribution to a freer, more ambitious, and more plural Portugal,” stated a prior announcement.
