BTN News: Spanish comedian David Broncano is set to embark on a daring new venture with his show, La Revuelta, which premieres on La 1, Televisión Española, on Monday, September 9, 2024. Known for his sharp wit and fearless comedy, Broncano’s debut marks his first foray into a publicly broadcast format after years of success with the late-night show La Resistencia on Movistar Plus+. However, this move has been anything but smooth. From political controversy to media scrutiny, Broncano’s transition to public television has sparked debates across Spain. Despite facing criticism and accusations, he remains undeterred as he prepares to captivate a broader audience on national TV.
Facing a Storm of Criticism: Political Backlash and Media Scrutiny
When RTVE (Radiotelevisión Española) announced in April 2024 that David Broncano would join their ranks, the reaction was swift and polarized. Conservative factions and certain media outlets perceived the move as a politically motivated strategy to counterbalance more traditional shows like El Hormiguero. Broncano’s openly left-leaning ideology only fueled this firestorm, leading to a wave of criticism and speculation about his role in public television. Stories circulated rapidly, alleging political favoritism, exorbitant salaries, and budget misallocation that, according to his detractors, could have been better spent on public services.
“The controversy escalated almost immediately,” Broncano recalls. “Suddenly, my face was in the Congress of Deputies, being used as a political weapon. It was surreal.” Despite the uproar, Broncano remains focused on his new role, eager to prove that his comedy can thrive on a public platform.
Subheading: Navigating Public Perception and Political Games
Broncano’s Move to La 1: Strategic or Political?
Some critics argue that Broncano’s hiring by RTVE was orchestrated to compete directly with Pablo Motos and El Hormiguero, a show with a strong following on private television. As speculation grew, misinformation spread like wildfire. False claims about Broncano’s salary and his supposed appointment by then-Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez flooded social media and news outlets. “They said I was going to earn 14 million euros, which is absurd. That’s the total annual budget for the entire show,” Broncano clarifies. “People act like public funding is a zero-sum game — as if my show meant taking away from hospitals or ALS treatments.”
Subheading: The Emotional Toll of Public Scrutiny
Weathering the Media Storm: Broncano’s Response to Critics
For Broncano, the backlash has been relentless but manageable. “I don’t stress easily,” he says. “But for someone else, this level of public pressure could be devastating. Imagine seeing headline after headline claiming you’re ‘stealing money from the children’ or that ‘Broncano is robbing us.’ It’s hard to ignore.” The comedian acknowledges there were moments when he questioned if the battle was worth it, especially when the political drama threatened to derail the show before it even began.
Yet, Broncano remains optimistic: “We had agreements with Movistar and negotiations with TVE were underway, but it all felt uncertain as the controversy heated up. The idea of being left without a platform was daunting, but ultimately, I believe in this show.”
Subheading: Defining Success on Public Television
Measuring Success Beyond Traditional Metrics
As La Revuelta prepares to launch, Broncano knows that his show’s performance will be under a microscope. Unlike his previous experience on Movistar, where success was measured through a combination of TV ratings and digital engagement, public television brings a new set of metrics. “Now, it’s all about the audience numbers,” he explains. “But I’m more focused on maintaining the quality and uniqueness of the show rather than just chasing ratings.”
He admits, however, that the expectations are high. “TVE finished last season with around a 10% audience share, largely boosted by sports programming. If we end below that, it won’t be a success in the traditional sense, but I’m more concerned about delivering a show that’s true to its roots.”
Subheading: Staying True to Comedy Roots
Balancing Comedy with Public Broadcasting Constraints
Many wonder if Broncano will bring his famous candid humor to La 1, especially his iconic question, “How much sex are you having?” from La Resistencia. He assures, “I’ll still ask the fun questions. Maybe I won’t be as explicit due to early evening protections, but talking about relationships and life in general is all part of the game.” Broncano emphasizes that while the tone may adapt, the essence of his comedy will remain intact. “I believe in keeping things genuine. The challenge will be in finding creative ways to keep it fresh.”
Subheading: Choosing Public Television Over Streaming Giants
Why Broncano Chose TVE Over Streaming Platforms
David Broncano had offers from various streaming giants like Amazon Prime Video but ultimately chose La 1 for a reason. “It’s not just about being in the public sector,” he explains. “TVE provided better conditions for my entire team. In this industry, people often work on short-term contracts or face layoffs during downtime. Here, we have multi-annual contracts and fair pay, which allows us to work with stability and focus on creativity.”
This decision was not only about aligning with public service but also about maintaining the welfare of his colleagues. “It wouldn’t have been fair to tell my team, ‘Let’s move to a platform with less security and fewer benefits just because it’s exciting for me personally.'”
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Confidence
As the launch date of La Revuelta draws near, David Broncano remains steadfast in his commitment to bringing his unique brand of humor to a broader audience. Despite the challenges and controversies that have accompanied his transition to public television, Broncano is confident that his show will resonate with viewers who appreciate a different kind of late-night comedy. He’s ready to turn the page on the tumultuous past months and start this new chapter with the same irreverent spirit that has made him one of Spain’s most beloved comedians.
