Pedro Piqueras is performing a measured, personal countdown as he approaches retirement from television, signaling a major shift in Spain’s news landscape. The veteran journalist is preparing to pass the baton to Carlos Franganillo, with Telecinco planning a bold new chapter by bringing in a high-profile signing to lead its news division. This forthcoming change marks a pivotal moment for a broadcaster that has long relied on Piqueras as its trusted face during evening broadcasts.
From now through December 21st, Piqueras will take a lighter schedule, stepping away from Monday through Thursday duties, according to his remarks in a candid interview with Luz Sánchez-Mellado for El País. The veteran news chief has indicated a long-held wish to retire, revealing that the decision to leave had simmered for some time before finally surfacing in the current context of global and regional events.
The explanation behind the timing centers on a personal assessment of his pace and the physical demands of courtroom-level speed in live news. Piqueras explained that age began to weigh on him and that the environment he works in requires rapid, decisive actions. He described the moment he decided to retire as a turning point, noting that he had contemplated stepping away for two years while continuing to fulfill his responsibilities until a successor was lined up. The Ukraine conflict, subsequent political upheavals, and regional crises added pressure to postpone the departure, but the call to leave eventually arrived with a clear sense of necessity.
Piqueras likened his career to a season-ending moment for a bullfighter—an intense arc with exhaustion looming as a natural part of the routine. He noted the strain of maintaining a consistent schedule over more than three decades, including late-nightingte commitments and limited social life. At sixty-eight, he acknowledged that his professional life had not left much space for personal pursuits, and he stressed that there is more to life than work, even for a figure of his stature.
Attention to Piqueras’s career also touched on his recent appearances, including a cameo in the latest episode of Traveling with Chester. The public figure who will succeed him, Carlos Franganillo, has elicited warm, approving reflections from Piqueras, who described Franganillo as a strong choice with whom he shares a common professional philosophy. He expressed genuine happiness about the transition, underscoring that he believes Franganillo is well suited to lead Informativos Telecinco into the next era.
Piqueras elaborated that the two men operate with a closely aligned approach to journalism. He recalled witnessing Franganillo’s enthusiasm and competence during his signing ceremony and confirmed his own involvement in supporting Franganillo’s move to Telecinco, noting that Franganillo appeared confident and at ease as he began a new chapter. The veteran anchor added that his decision to retire is anchored in a belief that the newsroom deserves leadership capable of steering it through evolving media dynamics, especially in a landscape affected by organizational changes and audience expectations.
In discussing the broader media climate, Piqueras acknowledged that Franganillo’s arrival came during a challenging period for the Mediaset group, which was navigating a dip in audience engagement. He observed that the organization faced a difficult moment, one that many in the industry recognize as part of the growing pressure on traditional news formats. Piqueras also referenced the recent setback involving a popular game show and the disruptions it caused, noting that such events have a ripple effect on newsroom morale and public perception. The veteran noted that the experience underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in television news today.
Regarding his own exit, Piqueras confessed a touch of irritation at times, as Mediaset has placed greater emphasis on Informativos Telecinco and the overall news brand. He referenced leadership under Alessandro Salem and highlighted the commitments made toward upgrading the studio and strengthening the team, including the appointment of Paco Moreno as news chief and a signal that the newsroom is being positioned for a long-term, high-quality output. Yet, he remains confident about stepping away when the moment is right, acknowledging that creating and sustaining a robust information project requires patience and a steady hand. Acknowledging that he will still be close to the industry for a while, he expressed belief that his successor will carry forward the newsroom’s legacy with ambition and integrity, and he hinted at a personal readiness to embrace new chapters in life beyond the newsroom’s bright lights.