TVE launches pro-Sánchez talk show, sparking plurality concerns

TVE's new Saturday night debate: Pluralism or propaganda?

This spring, RTVE launched a new political talk show on Saturday nights that sparked controversy before its first broadcast. Titled «Malas lenguas», the La 1 lineup antiestéticatures contributors who many see as government mouthpieces rather than a diverse forum. The team includes journalist Ana Rosa Santaolalla, former Socialist MP Antón Losada, ex-presenter Jesús Cintora, El Plural journalist Esther Palomera, and veteran commentator Gonzalo Miró.

## A single dissenting voice

The panel's composition triggered widespread criticism. The main argument is that among six or seven commentators, only one represents an ideological spectrum not aligned with the PSOE; the rest are profiles known for their proximity to Sánchezism or selective criticism of left-wing governments. "It's like Spanish cinema: always the same faces and discourses," skeptics summarize. The format has been compared to José Luis Balbín's iconic «La Clave», but in a degraded version: much noise and zero independence.

The controversy extends beyond studio debates. While TVE surveyed citizens on whether they considered the channel plural, this announcement served as an involuntary response. Moreover, the cost comes from public budgets, adding a recurring element of indignation: "We all pay for this."

## The Kitchen case as thermometer

Debate intensified with coverage of the Kitchen case on the program. Regular contributor Kaiser left the table offended because he wasn't asked his opinion on the «Operation Kitchen» scandal currently in trial, despite having written two books on the matter. Kitchen, which implicates senior PP officials in using police to destroy evidence, has been called "the second most serious corruption case in democracy after GAL." Discussion over whether PP or PSOE corrupted institutions more (police vs prosecution) divides analysts, but the incident reveals internal tension even among "allies."

Beyond party labels, some argue the program seeks deliberate polarization rather than vote accumulation. "It's a display of power whose sole aim is societal polarization," it is argued. The strategy, reminiscent of Zapatero's era, would involve fueling tension to mobilize the base and wear down opponents. "Tension suits us," as a former president said, but ultimately "trivial" tension.

## The programming saga

«Malas lenguas»' block scheduling (morning, afternoon, night, weekend) has been compared to old Telecinco formats like «Sálvame», but paid with public money. "The difference is that Telepedro is paid with the rower's blood, sweat, and tears." The resemblance to private TV drift is uncomfortable, especially when TVE should be a public service, not a propaganda apparatus.

Awaiting audience figures, the program has already achieved something: making no one believe in public television's pluralism. Or at least, making pluralism resemble a choral monologue.