Lourdes Maldonado has quickly become one of the fresh faces on TVE’s morning program. She has stepped into the role with poise, debuting in the new segment titled “Speaking Clearly,” hosted with Marc Calderó, who is celebrated as a standout presence on the show.
Backed by a team of experts, analysts, and journalists, Maldonado handles daily news and political updates, keeping pace with the live rhythm the program requires. In a conversation with YOTELE, Maldonado discusses the launch of the series and reflects on a wide range of topics surrounding the premiere of speaking clearly on TVE’s La 1.
– Elizabeth II. Following the queen’s death, the planned premiere had to be rescheduled to Saturday. Maldonado traveled to the UK to report on the events. How did she experience covering this moment from there?
– London. The decision to cover Elizabeth II’s passing from London, after finishing a segment at FesTVal de Vitoria-Gazteiz, was a gift. The unfolding news dictated the direction, turning a rehearsal into a special episode on air when the moment arrived.
-Moreover, the news broke moments after Maldonado wrapped up her presentation in Vitoria.
– The team was en route to Madrid when the confirmation came. Phones buzzed with updates on what to do next. “Speaking clearly” is a contemporary program and the London assignment became a remarkable adventure.
-Speaking of adventure, how did the London experience shape this event?
– It was unforgettable. It offered the chance to tell something that would be remembered in the history books. The atmosphere of British respect, quiet, and sorrow was palpable. Standing at Buckingham Palace, conversations with a wide range of people—from tourists to locals—made the moment deeply human. It captured how the British said goodbye to a queen who had guided the country for seven decades.
-The broadcast on La 1 that Saturday felt meaningful as well.
– The reception was warm, but progress requires patience. The goal now is to evolve and grow. The team aims to earn audience trust, speaking in a familiar tone while delivering the information that matters most to viewers and affects their daily lives. This is the stance; this is the moment to celebrate a new beginning.
I want to go back to the start. How did the call to join TVE come about?
– Without details, the user was abroad and the opportunity arrived without hesitation. A late-night call offered a role in a vibrant, competitive, and entertaining slot filled with opportunities. The immediate reaction was simply to say yes.
-Maldonado shares this new professional journey with Marc Calderó. What qualities does she admire in him, and how do they complement each other on Hablando Claro?
– They bonded quickly despite not knowing each other beforehand. The dynamic feels natural, not forced. They operate in harmony, speaking the same language, with a shared sense of intimacy and seriousness. The two hosts embody the spirit of the program they co-present.
-What sets Hablando Claro apart from the competition?
– The path in this space is tough, but there is room for everyone. The show aims to offer a personal voice, blending warmth with rigor and treating the audience like family. Three hours of live morning coverage will move at a fast pace, but the emphasis will be on analysis and context supported by data. The goal is a friendly program that still serves civil society by delivering useful information.
-Is there a specific audience profile they want to reach?
– The audience is broad. The program lands at 11:30, appealing to older viewers, while the 14:00–15:00 slot targets a different demographic. Politics and debate will be central focus there, addressing high information demand during peak hours.
-How does the team address a public tired of political tone?
– The goal is to cut through the noise with content that shows how political decisions impact everyone, especially those with fewer resources. The program will avoid quarrels and sensationalism, offering clear explanations and balanced discussion focused on citizens.
-Will ordinary people appear on the set?
– Absolutely. Citizens will have a voice on air. The show will be social in nature, putting the citizen at the center of the dialogue.
-Is there room for diverse viewpoints, such as those rarely heard in mainstream debates?
– The approach is inclusive. All voices will be welcomed, with room for thoughtful analysis across a broad spectrum of opinions.
-How has TVE responded to external contributors and the broader media landscape?
– The reception from colleagues at TVE has been overwhelmingly positive. The team describes a welcoming, professional environment at Prado del Rey, where support and collaboration are evident in every aspect of production, from styling to editorial work.
-How does TVE view bringing in external talent?
– The trust shown by TVE and the production team is a gift. The opportunity is exciting, and the experience gathered over a substantial career in television underscores the responsibility that comes with it. The readiness to contribute is strong, and the enthusiasm is contagious.
-Looking back at the Telemadrid chapter, did that experience shape this move to TVE?
– The Telemadrid years were formative, marked by quality public broadcasting and a focus on serving the citizen. The aim was to reduce political interference and uphold journalistic integrity. Those memories inform the current path on national public television, emphasizing service and relevance for viewers.
-What about Telemadrid today, does that era feel different in hindsight?
– The goal then, and now, was to empower audiences with trustworthy information. The collaboration and freedom experienced there are fondly remembered, and best wishes are extended to current colleagues who continue to shape public television with dedication.