On Monday, January 15, Mediaset launches a news revolution with a debut that makes waves. Carlos Franganillo will lead News Telecinco at nine in the evening, following Pedro Piqueras, the network’s longtime anchor for the past 17 years. Not only does the on-air talent change, but the studio also receives a technological upgrade to make the information more dynamic. Coincidentally, on the same day and time, Marta Carazo, Franganillo’s replacement at La 1, makes her premiere as well.
Many viewers were surprised to hear that Franganillo would leave TVE to sign with Mediaset. What drove the decision?
Several factors played a role. Piqueras was persuasive and believed in what they could build together. Franganillo learned the details of the project, and it felt like an exciting opportunity. It is rare for one of Spain’s largest media organizations to invite a journalist into a process focused on renewing the news and investing in its future. The opportunity aligned with a clear strategic plan for advancement.
Did Piqueras press him to join for a long time?
Not extensively, but Piqueras had dropped hints and comments over several months. While the reasons weren’t dramatic, new circumstances converged with the arrival of Paco Moreno, Mediaset’s new Director of News, who also supported the move, helping Franganillo take the final step.
Some observers suggest money played a role in the decision.
It was a highly coveted project, and it came with a strong personal offer as well. Yet in any life and career move, both elements matter. If the project hadn’t felt compelling and credible, the leap would not have happened. The commitment comes from a strong belief in the plan and a genuine drive to contribute.
“Leadership is not the sole target in a news program.”
Is the aim to lead the ratings?
The objective is to produce the best possible news for the audience, to be ambitious, and to grow. It would be a mistake to measure a program’s quality solely by audience leadership. External factors beyond control can influence rankings. The emphasis is on delivering high-quality journalism, not chasing ratings as an end in itself.
There may be a desire to rise in the audience rankings, perhaps moving toward a top position within the network, but the focus remains on improvement and growth rather than chasing a single metric. If audience numbers were the only measure, the newsroom would lose its broader purpose.
Some ask whether the outlet should carry a political stance in its reporting. Is that the plan?
The goal is to provide meticulous, fact-based reporting with clear, descriptive analysis. In an era of information overload, the aim is to offer calm, thoughtful coverage rather than a fixed ideological position. It is not the intention to adopt a partisan stance, but to present clear, well-supported reporting.
When a TVE journalist, Anna Bosch, wrote about leaving for Mediaset, expressing sorrow for RTVE, how does that resonate with this decision?
Leaving a beloved organization is profoundly emotional. It was not an easy decision, and it brought with it a mix of pride and sadness for the people left behind in an environment where one felt valued and supported. If the move had been driven by anger, the decision would have been harder to justify.
How does Franganillo differentiate himself from other journalists? In essence, what sets him apart when everyone starts from a similar news slate?
This is a major challenge. Some may choose to focus on less-covered topics or steer clear of the day’s headlines, but the core material often overlaps. The way the information is explained—more context, deeper analysis, and a sense of order—can make a real difference. There is a duty to maintain clarity and equilibrium in reporting.
Does the public connect with the anchor, and are audiences loyal to the presenter?
In truth, a single anchor does not own a news program. The ecosystem is complex, relying on many components. Talent matters, but so do the broader dynamics and the production environment. The credibility of a presenter comes from many moving parts, including delivery, context, and consistency.
Other captions in the scene note the faces behind all editions of News Telecinco. The transition marks a shift for the network, a step that involves a broader team beyond a single anchor.
Franganillo reflects on the situation gently, recognizing how difficult moments can be, especially when the first news of the day is heavy. Making this leap against a backdrop of public expectation requires poise and resilience.
How does one handle pressure when leading a flagship news program?
The experience depends on the leadership around the team. A newsroom thrives when there is protection from above, with a top-level commitment to defend editorial independence and shield the team from undue pressure. Tensions and conflicts can arise, but a strong, supportive hierarchy helps the staff work with autonomy and confidence.
Which types of stories are the most challenging to cover?
International affairs intrigue him the most. Domestic politics also interests him, but not to an obsessive degree. Sports, on the other hand, would be a stretch for him. He recalls a difficult moment reporting on a Sporting de Gijón match during his early radio days, a reminder that journalism spans a wide spectrum of topics and tones.