RTVE faces audience complaints amid record viewership for evening programs

RTVE's audience ombudsman has reported significant viewer complaints during the second quarter of 2026. The primary grievances involve the suspension of series such as 'La Promesa' and 'Valle Salvaje' to accommodate a papal visit, as well as the extensive broadcasting of Holy Week processions, which some viewers questioned in relation to the state's secular nature.

Other notable complaints included perceived lack of neutrality in news programs, issues with background music, and criticisms regarding certain guests.

Despite these complaints, RTVE's afternoon programming has seen notable success. The program 'Malas lenguas' on La 2 has achieved record-breaking viewership, reaching a 9% audience share and 594,000 viewers with new presenters Gonzalo Miró and Ane Ibarzabal. This performance allowed the program to outperform several offerings on private networks. Meanwhile, La 1's period fiction 'La Promesa' and 'Valle Salvaje' also maintained strong audience figures.