The 16 of the title refers to the sixteen founders of Grupo 16, publishers of the weekly news magazine Cambio 16.

Published by Información y Prensa with headquarters in Madrid, Diario 16 first appeared as an evening newspaper in tabloid format on 18 October 1976.

[4] Pedro J. Ramírez served as editor-in-chief of the paper who was appointed to the post when he was 28 years old.

[5] Ramirez's tenure ended in 1989 following his permission for the publication of the news about the close links between GAL and Felipe González’s government.

[5] The newspaper often criticized President George W. Bush[7] and ETA,[8] and was the subject of several lawsuits.