Two of Spain’s most influential radio journalists, Iñaki Gabilondo (83) and Carlos Alsina (56), have become benchmarks for professionalism and integrity in the country’s media field. Nearly three decades apart in age, both have left a lasting mark on how news is reported and discussed, and journalism faculties across Spain now study their careers. RTVE has called Gabilondo “one of the most recognized figures in Spanish journalism of recent decades.” He began working in radio at 21, and his career has remained closely tied to Cadena SER.
Gabilondo has covered basic moments in Spain’s recent history. His approach, defined by objectivity and reflection, has influenced generations of broadcasters. Alsina, meanwhile, has built his reputation as director of Más de uno on Onda Cero, where he is known for an analytical style and measured tone. The programme pairs current-affairs coverage with interviews, while monologues and other segments take it beyond the format of a conventional news bulletin.
Their mutual respect carries more than symbolic weight. Alsina has spoken openly about his admiration for Gabilondo, saying he values the periods when Gabilondo took a reflective, balanced approach to news analysis. Alsina has also acknowledged that even the most seasoned journalists can be drawn into activism during turbulent times, citing Gabilondo’s own reflections on his career. His candid view points to the pressures and ethical dilemmas facing journalists in Spain’s fast-changing media environment.
Gabilondo, in turn, has called Alsina an outstanding professional. He has said that although the era of radio “stars” may have shifted, Alsina’s high standards and flexibility set him apart. That concise praise captures the respect between the two, despite their different styles and career paths.
Alsina’s reporting has also taken Más de uno beyond the studio. In a special programme recorded in Rentería, he revisited ETA’s legacy 15 years after the organization announced the definitive cessation of its activity. Recalling the announcement, Alsina said: “We had carried so many disappointments with us that when the news came, it arrived wrapped in scepticism.” The programme placed the story in the period from 1982 to 2011 and included testimony from Alberto, who was injured as a child by a bomb-laden backpack. “My whole life has been tied to check-ups and operations, and then came the psychological after-effects,” Alberto said. The report brings historical context together with personal testimony on the lasting impact of political violence.
Alsina has also discussed his discomfort with the visual and promotional side of modern media. He prefers to stay behind the microphone and focus on content instead of personal branding. That stance can clash with the expectations of his station, Onda Cero, which encourages presenters to adopt a more public profile as media becomes increasingly visual. His reluctance to step into the spotlight reflects a broader debate in Spanish radio over the balance between personality and substance.
Alsina has also weighed in on other prominent figures in Spanish radio, including Julia Otero and Luis del Olmo. He has described Otero as a strong presence at Onda Cero, noting that their professional relationship has included genuine debate and occasional tension. Alsina credits Luis del Olmo with teaching him how to structure and harmonize a radio program, and says he is grateful for the trust and support he received early in his career.
The careers of Gabilondo and Alsina trace Spanish radio’s shift from the era of iconic voices to a more fragmented, multimedia environment. Their mutual recognition points to the lasting value of professionalism and thoughtful journalism as the industry faces new challenges. Their example still resonates with colleagues and listeners amid rapid change.
Spanish radio has long helped shape public opinion and inform citizens, especially during periods of political transition and social change. The influence of figures such as Gabilondo and Alsina can be heard in how broadcasters discuss and analyze current affairs. The need for quick responses and flexibility in Spanish media was also evident recently, when a fire forced the evacuation of more than 2,000 people from a Madrid office tower and companies such as Moeve shifted to remote work. The episode was covered in detail in our report on the Moeve Tower evacuation.
