Javier Chicote ends his fourteen-year run at ABC and prepares for a stronger presence on Spanish television. He is also in talks with two digital newspapers for regular written collaborations. His move signals a shift in Spanish media.
After fourteen years at ABC, Javier Chicote is stepping away from print to focus on television. The former head of ABC's Investigation unit will now appear regularly on national TV and is in talks with two digital newspapers for ongoing written contributions. This move comes as the lines between media formats continue to blur in Spain.
Chicote has already joined the panel on ‘El programa de Ana Rosa’, where he sits alongside journalists like Mayka Navarro, Daniel Montero, Luis Rendueles, Alejandro Requeijo, and Vanesa Lozano, under Manu Marlaska's direction. He has also appeared on ‘Todo es mentira’, ‘laSexta Xplica’, ‘Más Vale Tarde’, and ‘Horizonte’, making him a familiar face in current affairs. This new role marks a clear shift from print to television for Chicote.
Chicote's name was officially listed among the regular panelists for 'El programa de Ana Rosa' at the launch of the new season on August 31, 2026.
Chicote is not leaving written journalism behind. According to Confidencial Digital, 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, aiming to keep 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 notes that no contract has been signed. His involvement will depend on how the program develops as the season goes on.
Chicote's transition to television was preceded by a period of notable on-screen activity in 2026, including appearances on 'Todo es mentira', 'laSexta Xplica', 'Más Vale Tarde', and 'Horizonte', indicating that his move was gradual rather than abrupt.
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, building 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. This trend is visible in other fields too, such as sports, where figures like Dani Mérida have also adapted to new formats, as reported earlier.
For Chicote, this next step is about adapting to the realities of modern journalism, where influence depends on working across different platforms. By staying active in both television and print, he is trying a hybrid approach that few Spanish journalists have managed at this level. Whether his investigative style will translate to television remains to be seen, but his move highlights how quickly Spain's media landscape is changing.
