After fourteen years at ABC, Javier Chicote is shifting his focus from print to television while pursuing written contributions. The former head of ABC's Investigation unit is expected to appear regularly on national TV and is in talks with two digital newspapers about regular contributions. His move comes as the lines between media formats continue to blur in Spain.
Chicote has joined the panel on ‘El programa de Ana Rosa’, alongside journalists Mayka Navarro, Daniel Montero, Luis Rendueles, Alejandro Requeijo and Vanesa Lozano, under Manu Marlaska's direction. Confidencial Digital reported that he was officially listed among the show's regular panelists when the new season launched on August 31, 2026. He has also appeared on ‘Todo es mentira’, ‘laSexta Xplica’, ‘Más Vale Tarde’ and ‘Horizonte’, becoming a familiar face in current affairs. These appearances in 2026 preceded his shift from print to television.
Chicote is keeping a foothold in written journalism. Confidencial Digital reports that he is in advanced talks with two digital newspapers to publish regular articles and opinion pieces. He has said he plans to balance both formats while maintaining the investigative approach that defined his time at ABC.
He is also working with Cristina Pardo on a new television format. Over the summer, Chicote recorded two pilots with Pardo, though he says no contract has been signed. His involvement will depend on how the program develops as the season goes on.
During his years at ABC, Chicote led investigations into cases such as Gürtel, Palau, Nueva Rumasa, Marsans, the Pujol family, the Leo Messi Foundation, Pedro Sánchez's thesis and the Koldo case. He received the APM Award for Best Journalist of the Year in 2018, earning a reputation as one of Spain's leading investigative reporters.
Chicote announced his exit from ABC in July. His departure comes as more journalists in Spain move between television and digital platforms. The trend is visible in other fields, too, including sports, where figures like Dani Mérida have adapted to new formats, as reported earlier.
For Chicote, this next step means adapting to a media field where influence depends on working across platforms. By staying active in both television and print, he is pursuing a hybrid approach that few Spanish journalists have managed at this level. His move reflects the pace of change in Spain's media field.
