David Broncano’s Contract Renewal: A Significant Commitment from RTVE
Public television has renewed David Broncano’s contract until the end of 2028, with an impressive investment of €31,555,572 for two additional seasons of ‘La Revuelta’. This was confirmed by major outlets, including The Confidential and The World. The RTVE Purchasing Committee approved this renewal in December 2025, eight months prior to the expiration of the current contract.
Understanding the Financial Commitment
Revised Budget Breakdown
The new agreement has increased the budget per season by €1,701,651, raising it from €14,076,135 to €15,777,786. Consequently, this sets the average cost per episode at €98,611, up from €87,975 in the original contract. The operation ensures Broncano’s tenure on La 1 throughout the forthcoming electoral period, even if there is a change in Government after general elections. Each program will incur an extra cost of €10,646 as compared to the current season.
Early Renewal Strategy
Unconventional Timing
The renewal agreement was finalized with remarkable expediency, disregarding the customary practice of waiting until the end of the season. RTVE sources indicate that the renewal was processed when there were still eight months left in Broncano’s current contract, which runs until September 2026. This deal encompasses approximately 160 episodes per season, airing Monday through Thursday, each lasting between 70 and 80 minutes.
Production Teams Behind ‘La Revuelta’
El Terrat, affiliated with Mediapro Studios, along with Encofrados Encofrasa, the production company co-founded by Broncano, Ricardo Castella, and Jorge Ponce, will maintain executive production. The contract stipulates a guaranteed minimum of 155 deliveries per season, with the possibility to expand through addendums should RTVE require it.
Motivations for the Early Renewal
Mitigating Competitive Risks
The decision to expedite the renewal process stems from a risk-averse strategy. RTVE was concerned about potential offers from private channels, particularly following Marc Giró’s unexpected signing with Atresmedia. The timeline guarantees that ‘La Revuelta’ will air on La 1 during the pre-election period and the initial two years of the subsequent legislature, irrespective of the political landscape. This strategy secures RTVE’s main asset in prime time access while providing job security for Broncano and his team in the event of a governmental transition.
A Controversial Past
Unlike the initial contract renewal, which triggered significant backlash leading to the departure of RTVE executives, this agreement was reached with a smoother negotiation process. It was notably free from media controversy and fragmented votes. The previous crisis led to the implementation of a Royal Decree that restructured RTVE’s governance, shifting powers to the executive presidency for overseeing substantial external hiring budgets.
Audience Ratings and Trends
Despite a promising launch, ‘La Revuelta’ has faced a downward trend in audience share. Between September and December 2024, it averaged a 15.7% share, slightly ahead of ‘El Hormiguero’ at 15.6%. However, by 2025, the show gradually lost traction, plummeting from a 17% average share in September to just 11.3% in May. Throughout direct competition, ‘El Hormiguero’ emerged victorious on 166 days compared to Broncano’s 44. Yet, the RTVE program has successfully garnered exceptional audience peaks, such as during Rosalía’s appearance in November 2025.
In conclusion, this renewal not only highlights RTVE’s commitment to Broncano’s success but also raises questions about audience engagement and competition in the Spanish television landscape.