Seventh Channel Poaches Javier Ruiz from TVE, Aims to Disrupt Spanish Media Landscape
José Miguel Contreras, the media mogul behind La Sexta, is poised to shake up Spain’s television market with the launch of La Séptima on November 5th. The new channel, debuting amidst a reshuffling of digital terrestrial television (TDT) licenses, has already secured a key talent: Javier Ruiz, who until recently helmed TVE’s morning program, Mañaneros 360.
Ruiz's Dual Role: Presenter and Editorial Director
Ruiz’s arrival isn’t just as a visible face on the channel; he’s also taking on a significant executive role as editorial director. This dual responsibility suggests a commitment to shaping La Séptima’s editorial line from the ground up. His previous tenure at TVE, where he replaced Jaime Cantizano and implemented a markedly different approach to current affairs, analysis, and events, saw him consistently outperform rival programs hosted by Antonio García Ferreras, Ana Rosa Quintana, and Susanna Griso, despite their larger audiences.
The move follows a prior collaboration between Ruiz and Contreras at Cadena SER and a previous, unsuccessful joint venture with PRISA to launch a new television platform. Contreras, known for his ability to build successful television channels focused on current affairs and political analysis, has openly discussed his plans to recruit a strong team. While Ruiz is considered a certainty, the possibility of bringing in Silvia Intxaurrondo, currently on vacation and reportedly experiencing contract disagreements with RTVE, and Àngels Barceló, former director of Hoy por Hoy at Cadena SER, remains under consideration. “Of these three, one is certain, another is possible, and I hope for the third,” Contreras reportedly stated.
The launch of La Séptima is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first new national television channel to debut on open TDT in nearly two decades. This is facilitated by the recently published technical plan for TDT 2025, which allows for more efficient use of the radio spectrum, previously dominated by Atresmedia, Mediaset, and RTVE. The consortium Servicios Integrados Entretenimiento Televisivo (SIETE) will also be a significant player.
Unlike traditional news formats, La Séptima intends to prioritize live programming, reflecting a shift in audience consumption habits driven by social media. Contreras has allocated an initial investment of €20-25 million to compete with channels like Cuatro and La Sexta, aiming to capture an audience share of approximately 4% in the medium term. The exact programming schedule remains undisclosed, but the emphasis on live content signals a departure from conventional news bulletins.
Ruiz's departure from TVE leaves questions about the public broadcaster's future programming, but with Intxaurrondo's program, 'La Hora de la 1', maintaining a solid audience in its early slot, immediate disruption to the schedule is unlikely.