Crhoy.com

Crhoy.com

CRHoy.com is a prominent digital news outlet in Costa Rica that has become one of the country's leading online sources for news and information since its founding in 2012. Here are the key details about CRHoy.com:

Background and History

- Founded in 2012 by Costa Rican banker Leonel Baruch, owner of Banco BCT4. - Headquartered in Mata Redonda, San José, Costa Rica[4]. - One of the first fully digital news outlets in Costa Rica, pioneering a new model of online journalism in the country[1].

Content and Coverage

- Provides 24/7 news coverage on national and international topics[14]. - Key sections include: Latest News, National News, Sports, Entertainment, Economy, Technology, Opinion, World News, and Humor[4]. - Focuses on breaking news and investigative reporting[1].

Readership and Reach

- As of 2021, CRHoy.com had an audience of 3.29 million unique monthly users in a country of about 5 million inhabitants[1]. - Has a strong social media presence with over 1.3 million Facebook followers and 460,000 Twitter followers as of 2021[1]. - Considered the most-viewed news site in Costa Rica according to Alexa rankings[1].

Business Model and Operations

- Operates on an advertising-based revenue model, with all content free and open to readers[1]. - Employs between 20-49 people and generates estimated annual revenue of $5-10 million[16].

Editorial Approach

- Known for its focus on immediacy in reporting breaking news[1]. - Balances breaking news coverage with in-depth investigative reporting[1]. - Aims to cover diverse topics to appeal to a wide audience[1].

Awards and Recognition

- Won the National Journalism Pío Víquez Award in 2017 for its coverage of a major cement industry scandal[4]. - Recognized for setting the news agenda in Costa Rica, with its stories often picked up by other media outlets[1].

Impact on Costa Rican Media Landscape

- Helped pioneer digital-first journalism in Costa Rica, pushing traditional media to adapt their online strategies[1]. - Played a role in educating the market about the value of digital advertising[1]. - Known for its rapid reporting, which has influenced the speed at which other Costa Rican media outlets cover breaking news[1].

Challenges and Controversies

- In 2024, there were reports of potential unsubstantiated tax fraud charges against CRHoy.com's owner, raising concerns about press freedom[10].

CRHoy.com has established itself as a major player in Costa Rica's digital media landscape, known for its breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and wide readership. Its success has influenced the broader media industry in the country, particularly in the adoption of digital-first strategies and rapid online reporting.