Spanish television channel La Séptima has hinted at hiring veteran radio presenter Àngels Barceló just weeks before its digital terrestrial launch in Madrid.
The new television station is scheduled to begin broadcasting across Spain in little more than a month under the leadership of executive José Miguel Contreras and editorial director Javier Ruiz.
Ruiz dropped a strong clue about the potential high profile recruitment during an online video interview on YouTube with presenter Rubén Sánchez.
When asked whether the network would introduce prominent new personalities to its lineup before going live, Ruiz responded with a wordplay pointing directly to Barceló. He said that every night he prays to the angels that a woman who has been an audience leader on the radio for 21 years could join the project, adding that he then toasts with Barceló rum.
Although Ruiz did not provide an official confirmation, media observers view the remark as an explicit hint regarding one of the network's top ambitions. Barceló spent her final season hosting morning news programming at Cadena SER, Spain's leading national radio network.
Ambitions for Spanish television
Speaking in an interview with television industry publication VerTele, Ruiz outlined an ambitious editorial stance for La Séptima. He stated that the channel is not joining Spain's digital terrestrial television lineup merely to occupy space or play a secondary role.
Instead, Ruiz explained that the station aims to drive the national news agenda through original reporting, exclusive stories, and a distinct editorial voice.
He noted that management has not yet decided which specific broadcast slot he will host as a program anchor. However, Ruiz expressed a clear preference for the morning schedule, describing it as the crucial time of day when current affairs agendas are set.
He added that La Séptima was not created to wait and see what competing networks do, but rather to compete actively for audience relevance and leadership, even though he admitted he cannot set a firm date for reaching that goal.
Continuous live news format
The network is planning a distinct approach to live broadcast journalism. Rather than relying on traditional, structured news bulletins fixed at specific hours, La Séptima plans to update its programming continuously in response to developing events.
Ruiz said this continuous format will allow the channel to adapt its coverage dynamically to the pace of breaking news, avoiding a programming model driven strictly by the previous day's audience ratings.
He acknowledged that La Séptima operates with significantly smaller financial resources than major established broadcasters such as public network RTVE. However, he highlighted the experience and determination of the newsroom team supporting the launch.
Final preparations before broadcast
With roughly four weeks remaining before its television debut, the station is currently defining its programming slots and filling out its editorial staff.
Management plans to launch with a live programming schedule designed to expand progressively following the channel's official debut on Spanish television screens.
