Juan Ignacio Ocaña, head of the Federation of Radio and Television Associations of Spain (FARTV), has been awarded the 2025 National Dubbing Prize. He received the award for his outstanding work as director and narrator in documentary series. Ocaña, whose voice is familiar to millions of Spaniards from projects such as “Crímenes imperfectos,” and as the official voice of Sir David Attenborough in the country, is regarded as one of the most respected figures in the media landscape.
Analyzing the state of the television industry in 2025, Ocaña offered a balanced perspective on current developments. He acknowledges that traditional linear broadcasting faces strong competition from streaming platforms and a wide range of on-demand content. Nevertheless, he believes that television is still capable of gathering large audiences. The main challenge for broadcasters, according to him, is to create innovative formats that can engage the younger generation, who are used to having freedom of choice and personalized content consumption.
As head of FARTV, Ocaña sees his main mission as defending the rights and interests of industry professionals. He expressed concern about the current political climate, which he believes poses risks to freedom of speech and citizens’ right to objective information. He is firmly convinced that a society deprived of a free press cannot be truly democratic. In this regard, he called on young professionals to join the federation’s ranks, so that together they can strengthen and protect the profession.
One of the most pressing issues discussed was the independence of public television channels. Ocaña takes a realistic view, noting that achieving complete impartiality is extremely difficult as long as those in power are tempted to use media resources for promoting their own agenda. However, he does not consider the situation hopeless. According to him, guaranteeing pluralism of opinions is possible by forming balanced editorial teams. He also sharply criticized the growing polarization in the media, which he says turns newscasts into something resembling entertainment shows and alienates audiences from meaningful discussion.
Discussing ideological diversity on public television, the head of the federation admitted that hosts and journalists may have their own viewpoints. The problem arises when personal beliefs turn into sectarianism and a lack of professional restraint, which can cause division in society. He explained that selecting key figures for the channels is the responsibility of management, and it is they who are accountable for maintaining balance in the editorial teams. Concluding the conversation, Ocaña spoke about the evolution of information and artistic programs on the main state channel TVE, and also discussed the principles behind awarding the prestigious Golden and Silver Antenna prizes, recognized by the federation.
