La Séptima, a new digital terrestrial channel in Spain, will begin broadcasting on November 5 with an annual budget of around 30 million euros. Journalist and media executive José Miguel Contreras outlined the launch plans, budget details, and audience targets for the network during an address at the New Communication Forum in Madrid on Monday.
The upcoming network plans to invest nearly 100 million euros over its first three years of broadcasting in the Spanish market. According to the company business plan, La Séptima aims to secure a 2.2 percent audience share by the year 2027.
Contreras explained that securing an audience share of around 2 percent would provide sufficient stability for the project to develop smoothly. He noted that reaching a 3 percent market share would represent an exceptionally positive outcome for the new channel.
La Séptima is approaching its debut on November 5 without conducting any traditional advertising campaigns. Contreras admitted his surprise at the high level of public expectation surrounding the channel prior to the start of regular transmissions.
Contreras highlighted the role of social media networks in building awareness for the venture in a market characterized by fragmented audiences. He explained that viewer attention is currently divided between standard television broadcasting and various digital mobile devices.
Financial backing and commercial strategy
Regarding commercial operations, La Séptima has not yet finalized a decision on which advertising sales company will manage its commercial inventory. Contreras confirmed that company executives are currently holding ongoing discussions with major market operators.
Digital terrestrial television, known in Spain as TDT, forms the primary free-to-air television distribution platform across the country. The TDT network was established as the primary national broadcast standard following Spain's digital switchover in 2010, replacing traditional analogue signals with digital multiplexes that host public national channels, private commercial networks, and specialized regional stations.
Contreras brings decades of experience in Spanish media and television executive leadership to the launch of La Séptima. A prominent journalist, communications professor, and media manager, Contreras previously served as a co-founder and chief executive officer of La Sexta, a major private television network launched in Spain in 2006.
Spain's commercial television market is largely dominated by major broadcast groups such as Atresmedia and Mediaset España, alongside public broadcaster RTVE. In this competitive landscape, independent TDT channels often seek market shares between 1 percent and 3 percent to establish viable commercial models supported by advertising revenue.
Editorial vision and programming lineup
Journalists Verónica Sanz and Luján Argüelles addressed questions from users on social media platforms to explain the core objectives and programming philosophy of La Séptima. The two presenters detailed what viewers can expect from the new national network once broadcasting begins.
Sanz explained that she chose to join the new network because the project represents both the present and the future of broadcasting. She stated that the programming strategy will focus heavily on expert analysis, in-depth commentary, and live studio coverage.
On political coverage, Sanz emphasized that the network will report both the positive and negative aspects of any government administration, regardless of whether it is left-wing or right-wing. She added that maintaining political pluralism is not a superficial pose for the channel, but a necessary approach to understanding real life better.
Sanz also revealed that the network will be guided by an explicit commitment to clear feminism in its daily output. Looking toward prospective broadcast interviews, she mentioned that she would like to interview United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Sanz is a veteran Spanish television journalist and news anchor who has presented current affairs programs across several major networks. Her previous broadcasting roles include hosting news debate formats on Telemadrid, Cuatro, and La Sexta.
Multi-screen broadcasting and content focus
Argüelles outlined the broad range of topics La Séptima will cover, explaining that programming will encompass daily life, culture, technology, family models, travel, and political analysis. She said the production team aims to build a broad viewer community characterized by an open perspective on societal issues.
Argüelles emphasized that La Séptima will be the first television network designed for simultaneous enjoyment across all screens, allowing viewers to access content on traditional television sets as well as mobile phones. She noted that the heavy emphasis on live programming made the project especially appealing to her.
Argüelles is a well-known Spanish television host with extensive experience presenting entertainment shows, game formats, and reality television series across major Spanish broadcast channels, including Cuatro, Antena 3, and Telecinco.
Marco Rubio serves as the United States Secretary of State, functioning as the chief foreign affairs official in the American government. Sanz's interest in securing an interview with Rubio underscores the international news ambitions of the new channel.
With technical preparations advancing toward the November 5 premiere, La Séptima plans to establish its presence on Spanish television screens while building toward its long-term financial and audience targets through 2027.
