La Séptima Poised to Disrupt Spanish Television with High-Profile Hires and Live-Focused Strategy
A new force is set to enter the Spanish televisionlandscape as La Séptima, a national broadcaster launching November 5th, rapidly assembles its team and unveils a strategy that directly challenges traditional news formats. The channel, founded by José Miguel Contreras, aims to capitalize on a newly unlocked spectrum of radio frequencies and a shift in viewer habits driven by social media.
Contreras Secures Key Talent, Including Veteran Journalist Javier Ruiz
At the heart of La Séptima’s ambitions is the acquisition of Javier Ruiz, a prominent journalist who recently helmed the morning program Mañaneros 360 on TVE’s La 1. Ruiz will not only serve as a visible face for the channel but also assume significant editorial control as director. This move represents a reunion of sorts, as Ruiz and Contreras previously collaborated at Cadena SER and were involved in a prior, unsuccessful television venture under PRISA.
The departure of Ruiz from TVE leaves a considerable void, particularly given his role in replacing Jaime Cantizano and implementing a markedly different editorial line focused on current affairs, analysis, and events. His program consistently outperformed competitors like Antonio García Ferreras, Ana Rosa Quintana, and Susanna Griso in viewership, demonstrating a clear appeal to a segment of the Spanish audience seeking alternative perspectives.
Rumors swirl around other potential recruits, including Silvia Intxaurrondo, currently on vacation and reportedly facing contract disagreements with RTVE. While her future remains uncertain, Contreras has also mentioned the possibility of bringing in Àngels Barceló, formerly the director of Hoy por Hoy at Cadena SER. “Of these three, one is secure, another is possible, and I hope for the third,” Contreras stated, acknowledging the ongoing speculation.
La Séptima’s arrival coincides with the implementation of a new technical plan for the TDT (Digital Terrestrial Television) in 2025, which allows for more efficient use of the radio spectrum. This development, coupled with the channel’s planned €20-25 million initial investment, positions it to compete with established players like Cuatro and La Sexta, with an ambitious target of capturing approximately 4% of the audience.
Unlike traditional news broadcasts, La Séptima intends to prioritize live programming, recognizing the evolving media consumption patterns of a social media-driven audience. Contreras believes that segmented news blocks are outdated in the current climate, opting instead for a continuous, real-time approach to news delivery.