In Spain, a new free TV channel, EWTN, has launched on digital terrestrial television (TDT), which has completely opted out of advertising. The channel is primarily aimed at a Catholic audience, but its schedule also includes other formats. Broadcasting features original content, and its launch came as a surprise to many, given the dominance of streaming platforms and major operators.
The project is implemented by the international network Global Catholic Television Network, which has previously operated in the United States and Latin American countries. Now, EWTN is expanding its reach, entering the Spanish market for the first time in a free-to-air format. Significantly, the channel does not use advertising slots, distinguishing it from most other players on TDT.
Where the channel is available
At present, EWTN is not yet available on TDT in all regions of the country. In Madrid, the channel can be found on buttons 27 and 42; in Barcelona, on 35; in Seville, on 23; in Valencia, on 47; in Zaragoza, on 29; in Alicante, on 37; in Malaga, on 48; in Cadiz, on 31; in Almería, on 37; and also in the Canary Islands: in Fuerteventura on 37 and in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on 25. Terrestrial broadcasting has not yet been launched in other cities.
In addition to TDT, EWTN has already been available for several years on the networks of major operators: Movistar+ (149), Vodafone (212), DIGI TV (307), Orange TV, Pepephone TV, Jazztel TV, MásMóvil TV, and Yoigo TV (196), Lowi TV (806), Euskaltel, SimpleTV, R, Telecable, and Racctel (172), as well as Guuk, Blaveo, Alma TV, Embou, Populoos, Netllar, Hits, and Sweno (162). This enables coverage of a significant portion of pay TV subscribers.
Broadcast Features
The main feature of EWTN is the complete absence of advertising and a focus on original programming. This approach sets the channel apart from other players where commercial breaks have become standard. Broadcasting is in Spanish, with content tailored to the interests of the Catholic audience, although some programs are aimed at a broader viewership.
The arrival of EWTN on TDT coincided with a period when traditional television in Spain faces competition from streaming services and changing viewer habits. Nevertheless, the launch of a new ad-free channel may attract those seeking an alternative to conventional formats. In light of this event, it’s worth noting that other notable changes continue to take place in the country: for example, there was a recent major incident in Ibiza involving the evacuation of residents, detailed in the article about the mass evacuation after an explosion in a residential building.
