Ávilared is a generalist regional digital outlet serving the Spanish province of Ávila, which has a population of 160,000 inhabitants. It publishes only in-house produced local information, without agency news, "unlike other digital outlets in Ávila and the online edition of the regional newspaper", according to its founder Carlos de Miguel.
Previously, De Miguel worked as a local journalist for a digital newspaper. When the newspaper closed, he started a digital media outlet from home.
Ávilared is financed by advertising from local companies and institutions and branded content, so its content is free for readers. "We have not considered other revenue streams, such as subscriptions, as we believe it is unfeasible," De Miguel said. "Our contents are of our production and quality, but we do not think the public is willing to pay".
Its audience is distributed as follows: one-third is resident of the province, one-third lives in Madrid but was born in Ávila or is related to it, and one-third is from other parts of Spain.
During the first four years, De Miguel worked alone; after, two other people joined the project, one full-time and one part-time. Its founder is proud that Ávilared is "a sustainable media that creates jobs and is the leader of the digital natives in the province".
He also recognises that the outlet's independence causes friction with local politicians.
Last updated: January 2023