RTVE will face the task of appointing a new president after José Manuel Pérez Tornero announced his resignation this Monday. The most widely discussed path to implementation is for the Board of Directors to designate a temporary leader from among its own members.
This view was conveyed to the public by people close to the Council, who suggested a substitute from within the organization. Elena Sanchez Caballero, a veteran of TVE, has spent much of her career guiding public broadcasts. She presented the main news program, contributed to the International Channel, defended the audience’s interests, and later became the secretary general of the public broadcaster. In her Congressional remarks during the election of council members, she stressed the importance of a state-owned, independent, and accurate public communications medium with stable funding that acts as a shield against fraud. She emphasized delivering high-quality entertainment that remains resilient even when challenges arise.
Yet another option under consideration, though more complex, involves dissolving the Governing Body and appointing a single administrator or general manager. Political circles see this as a potential way to streamline leadership, though it would require navigating significant governance hurdles.
If that route were pursued, José Pablo López, the current director of General Content, could be considered for the post as the sole director. Many describe this move as technically feasible but difficult to execute. López holds degrees in Journalism and Law and has more than fifteen years of experience overseeing multiple RTVE channels, including La Sexta. He is recognized for guiding network restructurings, leading project restarts, and optimizing resources across national and international radio and regional stations.
Pérez Tornero’s resignation, delivered in a brief statement on the company intranet, has stirred discussions about the factors that can sustain the institution’s mission. Within the Council, there is talk of palpable tension as members aligned with certain political groups have distanced themselves from some initiatives.
The TVE News Council also issued a public message noting that employees are watching developments with concern regarding the direction of the public service project, emphasizing the need for independence and professional management as essential components of RTVE’s mission.
On Tuesday, the Board of Directors is scheduled to meet in the afternoon. After Pérez Tornero communicates his decision, the council may call an extraordinary session to clear the path for a replacement. If a substitute manager is chosen, the vacant top post would also need to be filled, making the leadership vacancy count up to eleven positions.