During the monthly meeting led by the interim president, Elena Sánchez, RTVE’s remuneration practices were revisited within the Joint Committee on parliamentary control of Public Corporations. A focal point of debate raised by the Popular Party and Vox was the compensation awarded to a high-profile RTVE presenter. The discussion centered on Silvia Intxaurrondo, the host of La hora de La 1 and a contender for the title in a major program, and the implications of her reported salary.
Vox member Carina Mejías highlighted concerns about substantial salaries paid to certain journalists hired by RTVE. Mejías used the occasion to directly critique Intxaurrondo, arguing that impartiality and programming quality should be demonstrated through content that resonates with a broad audience, independent of political slant.
Mejías asserted that there are instances where journalists command pay scales comparable to, or exceeding, the head of government, and that such figures appear inconsistent with the public network’s mission. He suggested that RTVE might be pursuing comparatively lucrative salaries in a media market already characterized by intense competition for talent. Elena Sánchez responded, aiming to clarify the situation surrounding Intxaurrondo’s compensation during the discussion.
The presenter himself engaged with the public on social platforms, addressing claims that his salary could reach 530,000 euros. Sánchez clarified that this figure represents a maximum projection for two seasons, contingent on various factors such as the number of programs produced and other variables tied to contractual arrangements. He emphasized that it remains uncertain what his eventual charge would be under contract.
In another part of the conversation, Sánchez noted that contract provisions in audiovisual production are guided by established market dynamics, including supply and demand considerations typical of the industry. He indicated that contract terms for two-year durations apply to prominent figures in the news sector, citing Josep Cuní from RNE and Silvia Intxaurrondo from TVE as examples, subject to the conventions governing their respective agreements.
The interim president also reflected on RTVE’s historical governance practices, acknowledging a long track record of engagement with external broadcasters and communications specialists. He named several notable figures such as Carlos Herrera, Paco Lobatón, Mercedes Milá, Bertín Osborne, and Mariló Montero as examples of established professionals who were recruited within the framework of the network’s policies. While he did not delve into granular details about each case, he stressed that all longstanding hires adhered to the recruitment rules that guide TVE’s operations.