A boy from a quiet village grew up with little interest in social life, yet he forged an unerring talent for conversation that would not retreat from tough questions. Even in sleep he spoke, read, and never wrote poorly; curiosity shaped his world. He learned the craft of metalwork from seasoned mentors in Mariña Lucense, a land famed for its smiths. The goal was simple: cultivate a favorable atmosphere in every encounter. Today, his work remains a talking point on television, as a Gonzo-style reporter stirs things up on Spanish screens. The new season is set to begin on January 15.
– Is there something that embarrasses you deeply, personally, more than for others to witness?
There are many things, but flattery tops the list. It unsettles him, and he eventually avoids nightlife altogether.
Are you implying you are shy?
Not exactly, but socializing is challenging. Going on a date feels uncomfortable, which is why he talks more to improve himself and avoid feeling watched.
When were you at your bravest on TV?
Early on, they filmed him in many places and even fired him from several gigs, yet that was exactly the point: to disturb. The urge to shake things up powered the program.
Does apathy come from where you’re from, or is it a Galician trait?
It is a posture, and it is also part of Galician character.
And did the dare come from his environment, or did a mix of bold, almost clumsy energy with Gonzo’s spirit influence him?
No, because there were too many Fernandos in the class and the nickname stuck (Fernando González González). He acts without fear, drawn to adrenaline and unafraid of consequences, and that energy plays well on television.
Now, with a major interview on air, what is the key to projecting confidence besides a steady accent and modest demeanor?
There is one thing that helps: making people feel heard. It shows in how he interacts with friends and guests alike. A director noted his somber eyes and a thin smile that contribute to a sense of sincerity. He aims to make everyone feel at ease and to show respect. Guests arrive to find a crew and multiple cameras, and even the most confident guest can soften in the presence of real warmth. A probing question should come only after building a genuine rapport. He is not harsh; invites people to his space, and never betrays that trust by insisting on more than a guest can give.
Would you call him a good person?
He comes from a rural background, where family values taught him to foster a positive climate as a lifelong practice. It’s about negotiating fairly, building trust, and doing business in a neighborhood-friendly way.
– Beyond the height of fame, what did he learn from another well-known Galician leader like Yolanda Díaz?
He learned to craft environments of trust and to strive for that atmosphere consistently. Díaz stands out because she shapes negotiation spaces in tough moments, a trait that keeps her highly regarded in public opinion polls.
What photo appeared at the end of the piece? Gonzo.cult at the production company headquarters of Producciones del Barrio in Esplugues de Llobregat.
What question would he ask Putin if the chance arose?
He would ask, What good does the invasion of Ukraine do for your people and for you?
– In one of the latest programs, alcoholism is described as a long-standing issue in Spain. Could this be tied to a darker national legend?
Considering the country’s serious drinking problem, he suggests that Spain is among the towns with high alcohol consumption. He argues that the root cause isn’t a single factor but a policy that treats alcohol differently from other substances. If drinks carried clear nutritional information like any other product, people would understand what they’re consuming. He’s not advocating a paternalistic policy, but knowledge could empower better choices.
– The media often overlooks the hardships reporters face. Do these struggles embarrass him?
No, the focus is on sharing experiences and showing the human side of journalism. Facing tension openly helps keep the profession honest and humble. It’s essential to look in the mirror and acknowledge the pressures that come with reporting.
– Is it sensible to print a newspaper in a country with few kiosks? Who profits in today’s media, aside from a few well-known talkers who lack formal journalism credentials?
He argues that the industry bears responsibility for self-censorship and poor working conditions. The lack of freedom stems from economic power and the systems around it, a dynamic that didn’t exist in the 1980s.
– Back at the millennium, at eight years old he already had a show name on Antena 3. Was he always destined to win?
No, it was more a gamble. He started at RTVE in Galicia in 2005, a contact suggested he join CQC, famously noting a journalist who was bold enough to take risks. Soon after, he found himself on a plane to Buenos Aires, covering President Raul Alfonsín amid a media storm, and he asked a bold Argentine joke that left a memorable impression.
– Was journalism an easy path or a difficult one, perhaps influenced by the church or priests?
He studied at Ponti, where the grades were high and opportunities plentiful. He explored Salamanca as well, choosing a practical path with family support and a focus on building a career that balanced ambition with practical steps.
– As some commentators say, did he emerge as a race journalist? Where did his profession start?
His instincts for speaking, expressing, reading, and writing laid the groundwork. He remains young at heart, convinced that journalism rewards curiosity, boldness, and a willingness to push boundaries. He believes this openness helps keep the audience engaged and aware. Even his own children remind him of that boyish spark he carries.
– Vigo to Lisbon: has he felt like a successor to a movement, or absorbed its lessons?
He recalls the tough era of the 1980s in Vigo, marked by a heroin crisis that touched many families. The youth watched friends struggle and many lost their way. Yet his generation witnessed those challenges from a distance and came out with a sense of resilience and opportunity. He remembers summers where work at Citroën could bring a sizable payday, a reminder of hard work paying off when it’s earned fairly. He believes Vigo’s cosmopolitan, optimistic, and musical energy shaped him more than anything else. He carries those memories as a compass for his craft and his city.