RTVE has confirmed disciplinary proceedings against several RNE professionals in two separate matters: allegations of workplace harassment and reported internal irregularities. The broadcaster says it is handling both cases in line with legal obligations and established procedures.
The first investigation concerns two formal complaints of workplace harassment filed by RNE employees. An external technical report validated the seriousness of the allegations, prompting the Human Resources department to open disciplinary files. RTVE said that although the Commission for Psychological Harassment at Work, composed of union representatives, did not reach a majority on a specific resolution, that lack of consensus does not invalidate the ongoing process. Human Resources retains the authority to continue the proceedings as required by law.
Separately, two current members of the RNE News Council have reported alleged irregularities and malpractice within the council. They formally submitted their concerns to the General Secretariat, which referred the matter to the Internal Audit and Compliance Directorate for an official investigation. RTVE stressed that the disciplinary actions concern individual conduct, not the News Council as an institution. Membership in a representative body, the broadcaster said, does not confer immunity from scrutiny or complaints related to harassment or regulatory breaches.
The proceedings are unfolding amid a wider dispute between RTVE management and its news councils, which represent TVE, RNE and RTVE.es. In October 2026, the councils jointly accused management of attacks, reprisals and irregular actions that they said undermined their role in safeguarding editorial independence. Their criticism reflects a broader institutional conflict, but does not determine the merits of the individual RNE complaints or establish that the proceedings target a representative body.
A separate case involving the TVE News Council illustrates the difference between an internal inquiry and a disciplinary sanction. THE OBJECTIVE reported that the council referred allegations involving RTVE executive Roberto Lakidain to Human Resources and sought legal advice; council representatives were later called to give evidence. RTVE’s Internal Audit and Compliance Directorate reportedly told the parties by email on 29 September that the file had been closed after “the appropriate measures” had been adopted. The report did not identify those measures or say that a disciplinary penalty had been imposed. That case is separate from the proceedings at RNE.
RTVE also stressed that opening a disciplinary file is not a sanction and does not imply a presumption of guilt. It is a procedural step that gives those involved the chance to present evidence and make statements, while defending themselves with full legal guarantees. Spain’s occupational-risk structure, including Law 31/1995 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks, requires employers to address workplace risks, including psychosocial risks. Separate provisions under Organic Law 10/2022 require prevention and complaint procedures for sexual harassment and harassment based on sex. The applicable process depends on the nature of the allegations.
The corporation expressed concern about public disclosure of the case, particularly the publication of complainants’ names. It warned that exposure could discourage future victims from coming forward for fear of public vulnerability. The councils have also raised broader concerns about transparency in internal proceedings. In the separate TVE case, the council said it had not been informed of the actions taken before the file was closed, information from THE OBJECTIVE.
Responding to an urgent meeting request from the News Councils, RTVE’s management reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue while insisting that protecting complainants and respecting legal procedures are non-negotiable. The broadcaster called on all parties to protect those who have reported misconduct and uphold the integrity of the investigative process.
RTVE has proposed an institutional approach to restoring workplace harmony, emphasizing that any resolution must respect labor rights. The corporation advocates constructive dialogue that recognizes the complainants’ motivations: the external review did not deem their reports false or unfounded. It also called for the immediate restoration of fundamental workplace norms. RTVE urged all three of its news councils to remain focused on their foundational purpose.
The situation reflects wider challenges for Spanish public institutions as they manage internal disputes and protect employee welfare. A recent case involving the Guardia Civil director, covered in coverage of government responses to internal investigations, highlights the difficulty of balancing transparency and legal obligations while protecting those involved. Such cases point to the need for clear procedures and strong protections within Spain’s public sector.
Workplace harassment and internal misconduct can draw intense public attention, particularly when allegations involve a major public broadcaster. RTVE says it is meeting its legal obligations and has called for responsible reporting as the RNE investigations continue. The proceedings remain separate from the wider dispute over the councils’ role in protecting editorial independence.
