SER Catalunya has opened its new season with a major expansion of Catalan-language programming and more attention to FC Barcelona coverage. The station, part of the Prisa group, is marking 50 years since the first football broadcast in Catalan, called by Joaquim Maria Puyal on Ràdio Barcelona, which later became SER Catalunya. Special programming will run throughout September.
The sports lineup has shifted: Sique Rodríguez now leads the Barça broadcasts within Què t’hi jugues, Barça. Albert Bermúdez is the basic commentator, supported by the established Què t’hi jugues team. The change strengthens the station’s sports coverage, particularly FC Barcelona, as local football remains a major draw for listeners.
Another major change is the longer run for Aquí Catalunya, hosted by Marina Fernàndez, which now airs from 7:00 to 12:00. That means uninterrupted Catalan-language content from 7:00 to 16:00. Catalan programming returns in the evening with El Balcó, presented by Anna Puigboltas, and La Graderia, now directed by Anna Palet.
Sique Rodríguez continues to co-host Què t’hi jugues! with Lluís Flaquer, blending sports coverage with entertainment and analysis, a format that has made it a reference point for Catalan sports radio. Established shows are also staying put. Jordi Manau returns with Llapis de Memòria, known for in-depth interviews built around guests’ chosen songs, while Màxim Castillo remains at the helm of Tot és Comèdia, a weekend cultural staple.
News coverage is also holding steady. Gisela Rodríguez leads Hoy por Hoy Catalunya. Joan Bofill continues with the midday bulletin Hora 14, while Gemma Alegrí directs the weekend news. Local reporting is reinforced through Aquí Girona and Aquí Barcelona, alongside Aquí Lleida and Aquí Camp de Tarragona, reflecting the station’s commitment to regional coverage.
The programming changes align with a broader shake-up at Cadena SER, which also begins its new season this week. Flagship shows Hoy por Hoy and Hora 25 have new leaders: Aimar Bretos and José Luis Sastre, respectively. The network’s audience figures remain strong. SER in Catalunya averaged 453,000 daily listeners last season, while Prisa Media’s stations collectively topped one million. One in four radio listeners in Catalonia tunes in to a Prisa group station each day, information from russpain.com.
The growth of Catalan-language radio and its focus on local identity echo wider trends in Spanish media. Recent cultural initiatives in Madrid, including a week of free events and music festivals, have also highlighted the importance of regional content and community engagement, as coverage of Madrid’s summer cultural programming shows.
SER Catalunya’s renewed focus on Catalan programming and FC Barcelona coverage reflects audience demand and recognition of the region’s linguistic and cultural heritage. The station aims to strengthen its position in a competitive media market, where local relevance and language remain decisive factors in listener loyalty.
