David Broncano faced pressure not to conduct the interview with Jorge Martín, the MotoGP world champion, just thirty minutes before the show started. The moment underscored a shift in how major programs manage guests and privilege in studio logistics. The host called the situation a disruption and criticized the way staff were pressed to adjust. The episode sparked debate about the routine pressures on TV crews and their schedules.
Broncano explained that nearly 20 minutes of animal documentaries were added because the interview could not happen as planned. He said the production team learned of his arrival today and of plans to host him next week. Reports from 7yAcción and Atresmedia indicated the pilot was recorded but could not be aired due to a minor misunderstanding.
Both the production company and Atresmedia cited a tweet responding to Broncano’s allegations from that night. They said that two weeks before the final airing, an agreement existed to include Jorge Martín for the first time, and that a representative mistakenly swapped his planned visit with another guest. They noted that Dorna, the organizer of the World Motorcycle Championship, contacted the representatives to resolve the situation.
David Broncano condemns edition of ‘El Hormiguero’ after being left without a guest in ‘La Revuelta’: “This is not the first time this has happened”
Industry sources told El Periódico de España that Broncano’s reaction was viewed by some as a tantrum. They argued that TV contracts and exclusivity work in predictable ways and asked how a guest would appear on a show if they had commitments with another network. They pointed out that LaSexta currently holds MotoGP rights, and that Jorge Martín was being prepared for this interview for weeks before it was postponed.
They added that Rebel may have limited ability to turn off guests, while Broncano’s show might be able to absorb the costs and still capture strong audience figures. They suggested audiences are not necessarily drawn to this kind of backstage turmoil. They noted that RTVE’s season has featured other high-profile guests, including top athletes and entertainers, while similar disruptions have occurred on other programs.
Broncano’s interview with Jorge Martín cannot be published until November 27 due to embargo. Yet the host did not inform viewers that an interview was being recorded; instead, he invited them to return on another day to watch the full program. Critics argued this approach treated the audience as if they were unaware of how television operates and that it was an industry matter. Attempts to reach RTVE and Dorna for comment yielded no response.
In a statement, Jorge Martín’s agency, Playmaker Agency, apologized for not communicating the visit to El Hormiguero earlier, an action that triggered the events. The agency emphasized that Jorge wants to share moments with fans and the media and asked for understanding as plans unfold.
How to receive guests
In a producer’s mind, plans A, B, and C are essential. Gema Jiménez Maldonado, a producer behind many popular Spanish podcasts, says that on occasions like La Revuelta she finds herself without guests a day before recording. To manage this, she builds a roster of potential interviewees and keeps a few familiar names ready who can step in if needed.
She explains that almost always it is easier to land a guest when a singer, writer, or actor has just released a product to promote. Departments of record companies or publishing houses can make introductions smoother, but when a specific figure is sought, producers must look beyond the usual channels, reaching out to agencies, social networks, and even political figures to secure the interview. The process often requires flexibility in timing and availability.
Everything depends on the moment: convincing high-profile guests takes time. Some partners have required months of planning, while others come together quickly around a unique opportunity. Venues like El Hormiguero or La Revuelta have a higher chance of success by coordinating guest lineups; production and editorial teams work to ensure all participants are on-brand and on-message.
Things are changing in late-night formats. In the past, offers could involve large appearance fees and direct negotiations at airports and backstage. Industry sources say that questions about a guest’s personal life arise after compensation, and current practice seeks to balance resources with audience demand for freshness.
Lowest week in viewers
Both programs have maintained strong audience shares. In the first month after launch, Dos30′ measured the trends, showing that Rebel and the anthill programs were leading their segments almost every day. Antena 3’s show delivered around 16.6 percent between 21:41 and 22:53, compared with La 1’s 15.3 percent on a related timeslot. The anthill program led with about 16.9 percent from 21:55 to 23:11, while La 1 trailed at 15.3 percent.
Chema García, CEO of Dos30, commented that Rebel’s numbers have dipped slightly but remain strong, positioning it as a close second. On November 20, the program drew 14.5 percent share with guests including singers Maria Becerra and Ana Moura during prime time. A month earlier, on October 17, the show registered a 16.6 percent share with appearances by other high-profile guests. In the weeks after its launch, Rebel and anthill maintained top-tier performance into the season’s third week.
This week recorded the lowest viewership since the show’s premiere, with a 14.3 percent market share overall. On Thursday, Motorcycles led the entertainment segment with a 15.5 percent share, and the program remained the most-watched entertainment show on Antena 3 that day, averaging about 1,973,000 viewers. The situation, according to industry observers, underscores how power and influence affect media dynamics and why audiences tune in to see how the guest lineup evolves next week.