In the world of Spanish journalism, the name Onega carries weight and authority. Yet behind the dazzling spotlight enjoyed by the famous Fernando Onega and his daughter, the popular TV presenter Sonsoles, lies another, equally influential figure. Cristina Onega, born in Madrid in 1975, chose a path diametrically opposed to her well-known relatives. She is the power behind the scenes of news broadcasting, pulling the strings from backstage rather than shining on screen. Her impressive résumé and leadership roles at the state broadcaster RTVE command respect—and, as some say, even a touch of envy from Queen Letizia herself, who was once part of this world.
Today, Cristina sits at the helm as director of the 24-hour news channel Canal 24 horas, and since May 2024, she has also served as deputy director of the entire news division at TVE. This represents the pinnacle of a career built on perseverance, professionalism, and a conscious choice to avoid the public eye. Unlike her sister, who became the face of television, Cristina has always preferred to stay behind the camera, shaping the country’s news agenda from her office. Her journey is a classic success story of a professional who proves her worth through results, not loud statements.
A Career in the Shadows
Cristina Ónega’s professional rise did not begin on television. For many years, she specialized in court reporting, covering the most high-profile cases and the intricacies of the justice system for Telediario news. This experience proved invaluable when she was invited to serve as Director of Communications at the General Council of the Judiciary. This move showcased her ability to work within complex, closed institutions that demand not only subject expertise, but also an impeccable reputation. Interestingly, during those years, her sister Sonsoles worked as a parliamentary correspondent, and the sisters, each in her own field, reported on the activities of Spain’s key branches of government.
Returning to RTVE marked a triumph for Cristina. She worked in various departments and held several leadership positions before heading one of the corporation’s most important assets — the 24 horas news channel. Such a career, built on a deep understanding of journalism and management, is said to be admired by Queen Letizia. After all, if it were not for her marriage to the heir to the throne, Doña Letizia, a close friend of Sonsoles Ónega, might well have followed a similar path and reached comparable heights in the media world.
The Ónega Dynasty
Cristina and Sonsoles are two sides of the same coin, shaped by their father, the legendary Spanish journalist Fernando Ónega. Despite their different public personas, the sisters are incredibly close. In interviews, Sonsoles has often said that Cristina is her main role model both professionally and personally, and her opinion always carries the most weight. This sisterly bond and mutual support are the foundation of their personal and professional success.
Although Cristina usually avoids social events, she occasionally makes exceptions for her family. One of these rare public appearances was a joint participation with her sister in a charity event at Madrid’s Retiro Park. They helped inaugurate a photo exhibition by Aldeas Infantiles, demonstrating the Ónega family’s unity not only at work but also in social causes. More recently, in March, Cristina stood by her father at Complutense University in Madrid when he was formally inducted as an honorary academic at the Royal European Academy of Doctors. On this important day, the entire family, including children and grandchildren, gathered to support the patriarch.
Personal life behind the scenes
In an era of social media and constant exposure, Cristina Onega stands as a bastion of privacy. Her social media accounts are closed to the public, and very little is known about her personal life. She was married and has two children, but that’s where public details end. She rarely gives interviews, preferring to let her work speak for itself. The only exception is professional events, such as a recent master class for journalism students in Sevilla organized by RTVE. There, she offered a rare glimpse into her work, sharing insights into managing a 24-hour news channel.
Incidentally, Fernando Onega, father of Cristina and Sonsoles, is considered one of the most respected journalists in modern Spanish history. His career spans more than half a century in leading newspapers, radio stations, and TV channels across the country. He served as head of the government press office under Adolfo Suárez during Spain’s transition to democracy, making him not just a journalist, but both a witness and participant in key historical events. Onega Sr. is known for his measured analysis, impeccable style, and ability to explain complex political processes in plain language. He laid the foundation of a journalistic dynasty now honorably continued by his daughters, each following her own unique path.
